Nomination for the 2025 Live Here Love Here Community Awards is now open.

The awards, in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), nine local councils, and the Housing Executive, honour voluntary groups that tackle environmental challenges and encourage civic pride in their communities.

The 2025 ceremony will be held at Belfast City Hall in February 2025.

Nominations can be submitted at liveherelovehere.org by December 1.

Lynda Surgenor, manager of Live Here Love Here, is urging people to nominate their local eco-champions.

She said: "These awards serve as a vital reminder of the powerful impact that small, often unnoticed acts of care can have in shaping a healthier, more connected society and environment.

"That’s why recognising the community organisations that work tirelessly, day in and day out, to improve their local spaces is so important."

Ms Surgenor praised the work done by these groups, including litter-picking, planting native trees, and creating pollinator-friendly gardens.

She added: "We urge everyone to come forward and nominate local groups and community associations whose everyday efforts make Northern Ireland a cleaner, greener, and better place for all."

The winners will be announced on February 6, 2025, at a ceremony hosted by Joe Mahon at Belfast City Hall.