FALKLANDS War veteran Simon Weston is calling on East Lancashire people to help find the unsung heroes who represent ‘the best of British’.

Simon, who was named the Nation’s Favourite Hero in 2014, has joined forces with global hearing specialists Amplifon for The Amplifon Awards for Brave Britons, which will celebrate truly remarkable people who are an example to the nation.

Set up in honour of Amplifon’s founder, Second World War hero Major Charles Holland, the awards will recognise the courage and achievement of people from all walks of life in six categories

Dagra Mohamed, audiologist at Amplifon’s Preston New Road, Blackburn, branch said: “These awards celebrate the unsung heroes in our communities – those truly remarkable people who are an inspiration to us all.

“If you know someone who deserves to be recognised for their bravery or selflessness, then we want to hear their story.”

Simon, who will head up the judging panel for the awards, said: “The Amplifon Awards for Brave Britons will shine a light on a very British breed of hero, those who, like Major Charles Holland, through incredible acts of courage, bravery and incredible selflessness, are an inspiration to others.

“We all know someone who deserves recognition for their service to others, their country or community and we’re calling on the people of East Lancashire to nominate these amazing individuals.”

Charles Holland was decorated by both the British and the American military for his bravery behind enemy lines during the Second World War. He was awarded both the MBE and the Military Cross and received the Bronze Star from the United States Government in 1948.

After the war, he dedicated his life to providing better hearing for people affected by the conflict, and in 1950 launched Amplifon, which has become a global company specialising in providing the best in class hearing solutions and devices.

To honour his valiant actions, The Amplifon Awards for Brave Britons will celebrate the achievements of exceptional people from all walks of life, of all ages and from all over the UK.

The winners will be announced at a ceremony at the Army and Navy Club in London inon Tuesday 16th October.

Judges will also choose an overall winner from the category winners, who will win a £1,000 trip to Italy.

The closing date for entries is Friday, August 3, and nominations can be made via the Amplifon website http://www.amplifon.com/web/uk/awards.