The search has begun for a digital hero in Gosport, as local MP Caroline Dinenage backed the TalkTalk Digital Heroes Awards 2012. She's calling on local groups to enter the competition, which recognises and rewards people who are using technology to help their communities.
The awards, now in their fifth year, have provided funding and support to 49 organisations across Britain, including charities which have used technology to help children and youth, the homeless and people with disabilities.
The awards aim to recognise inspirational people who use technology to benefit their local community. Twelve winners, one from each region of the UK – voted for by the public – will each get £5,000 to enhance their digital projects, with one overall winner getting £10,000. This year there will be an additional category for children and young people, with a top prize of £4,000 for their chosen charity and an Apple MacBook Air.
The awards are now open for submissions at www.talktalk.co.uk/digitalheroes and the deadline for entries is September 14th 2012.
Commenting on the awards, Caroline said:
"Digital technology plays an increasingly important role in helping to improve people's lives and encourage the growth of local businesses. Digital Heroes is a great initiative which recognises the people who have worked hard to champion digital technology and made a difference to their community. I hope that projects in Gosport will be able to benefit from this year's scheme and I will be encouraging local groups and individuals to enter the competition."