Macclesfield Town Council have extended the application period to nominate people for the mayor's civic awards due to the coronavirus pandemic and to recognise the volunteers responding to it.

The award scheme was launched a few weeks ago by the mayor of Macclesfield, Cllr Janet Jackson MBE and recognises people who have given their time to make a difference to a community, group or the town.

The closing date to submit nominations has been moved from 3rd April to 29th May.

The Mayor has launched a new category specifically for nominating volunteers who are supporting the community during the coronavirus pandemic. A separate nomination form is available for this.

Cllr Jackson said: "At this unprecedented time in the town's history everyone is being called upon to do their best to support their Community. From those staying in isolation to save the NHS, those who are helping their family, friends and neighbours, and all those working so hard in the essential services.

"As the Mayor I have decided to add an additional category to my Civic Awards this year – the Coronavirus Community Support Civic Award – in order to recognise those individuals who have gone over and beyond their duty to help in the local Community. The deadline for submissions for this award will be Fri 29th May."

The standard award categories are:

• Youth Civic Award

• Art and Culture Civic Award

• Independent Business Civic Award

• Pride of Macclesfield Civic Award