APPLICATIONS for the Community Action Awards 2018 — a yearly celebration of the community and voluntary sector — are now open.

Community Action aims to encourage community projects and promote and celebrate their achievements over the last 12 months.

Thanks to this year's main sponsor, the Isle of Wight Council, and various other local sponsors, Community Action has a prize pot totalling nearly £6,000.

The entry form for the competition is available here, by e-mailing acoyle@actioniw.org.uk or by calling into Riverside, The Quay.

Closing dates for completed entry forms is 4pm on Friday, May 18, and judges will visit the nominated projects on Wednesday, May 30 and Thursday, May 31.

Last year's overall winners, Homestart Isle of Wight, scooped £1,500 for their project.