​Vanessa Worrall is somebody who makes the Pride of Gloucestershire awards worthwhile.

The 51-year-old’s work with Matson Youth and Community Project is keeping young people off the street.

She helps run a young mums’ group, a teenage drop-in, a health drop-in and several other activities.

She has worked for the project for 13 years and won last year’s Public Sector Hero award.

Gloucestershire County Council and NHS Gloucestershire are joint sponsors of this year’s Public Sector Hero category.

Vanessa said: “It was a total shock to win but it was lovely to be recognised and meet all the others who were nominated. I’ve kept in touch with some of them.

“The awards have helped bring the project recognition too so from that point of view it’s brilliant.”

The Citizen and our sister paper the Gloucestershire Echo have launched the awards for the fourth year to honour the county’s unsung heroes. There are seven categories to choose from – Local Hero, Brave Heart Hero, Community Project, Caring Hero, Environmental Hero, Public Sector Hero, and for the first time Volunteer Hero.

A spokesman for the county council and NHS Gloucestershire, said: “Do you know a fireman, a police officer, doctor, nurse or paramedic? We want nominations for those who deserve recognition and have touched others with their kindness.

“We would like to honour these heroes who give so much more than they need to.”

A glitzy award ceremony will take place at Gloucester’s Kingsholm rugby club on June 25 when 2010’s winners will be announced.

The deadline for nominations is March 19. Simply complete the form opposite and send it to Lynn Elson, 2 Batsford, Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire, GL56 9QB.

Alternatively submit an online application by visiting www.thisisgloucestershire.co.uk/pride.