THE HUNT is underway for Hampshire's unsung heroes - with a prize of £1,250 for charity.

The Best Volunteer Award 2015 is a chance to nominate someone volunteering for a small local charity, community groups and not-for-profit organisations.

It is sponsored by Markel UK, the specialist charity insurer and Small Charities Coalition, the support organisation for small charities.

Nominations will be judged against a range of criteria, including how long they have volunteered for, if they have overcome personal challenges, how their work has inspired others and the impact their work has had.

The winner will receive £1,250 for the charity or charities of their choice and a £1,000 holiday voucher.

Runners up will receive £250 for a charity and a personal prize of an iPad mini.

Andy Partington, from Markel UK said: “Britain's Best Volunteer gives people the opportunity to acknowledge the unsung heroes in their community, as well as giving the winner something to enjoy and some financial support for their charity.”

John Barrett at Small Charities Coalition added: “We wanted to not only recognise these outstanding and dedicated people, but also give them an opportunity to talk about their work and achievements, which should help with their charity's visibility and fundraising”.

Last year's award was won by Emma Hall, founder and volunteer at Stepping Stones DS, a support group she founded after her daughter was diagnosed with Down's syndrome which helps families across Hampshire, Berkshire and Surrey.

Nominations have to be made by midnight. This can be done online at markeluk.com.