Do you know a fantastic councillor?

Nominations for the Age UK Councillor Award open on 14 October, so why not start thinking now about who you could nominate?

In recognition of the important role that councillor's play, we sponsor the Age UK Councillor Award as part of the 2014 C'llr Achievement Awards.

Update 13 January 2014: The deadline to apply been extended to Friday 17 January - so no time to delay!

The award will be given to a councillor who has made a significant contribution to improving services or neighbourhoods in the area they represent so as to benefit older people. It could be campaigning for better lighting, arranging more seating or increasing the number of public toilets.

We think it's time these unsung heroes are recognised and applauded nationally for their efforts and for the excellent example they are setting in how to listen to and help their constituents.

The winning councillor will have a track record of:

• making time to listen to older people, actively engaging with them and understanding the issues that concern them
• bringing about changes that directly benefit older people, as a result of those concerns
• ensuring that any improvements are maintained in the long term and that older people continue to be consulted and involved.

How to nominate your local councillor for this award

Nominations can be made by members of the public, councillors and council officers, but councillors cannot nominate themselves.

Nominations open on 14 October and the deadline for applications is Friday 17 January, with the successful winner announced in February at an awards ceremony in London.

If you have a councillor in mind you'd like to nominate and would like an application form, or would like more information, please get in touch with the Local Government and Information Unit (LGiU) by phoning 0207 5542 800 or emailing awards@lgiu.org.uk