The search for the Croydon Champions of 2012 was launched at the Croydon Visitors Centre last week.

Once again our official mascot Hamish McFee - the west Highland terrier crowned Community Champion is 2010 - is involved in the campaign.

The westie was nominated for a special award for his role as a Pets as Therapy dog, visiting elderly patients and stroke patients at Croydon's Mayday Hospital.

Hamish and his owners, Barry and Margaret Crossby, have been staunch supporters of the Champions awards.

The campaign was started by the Croydon Guardian and Croydon Council in 2001, in a bid to find Croydon's unsung heroes.

And the awards have highlighted the amazing stories of ordinary residents doing extraordinary things for others-often for little or no reward ever since.

Now, over 11 years, we have had more than 1,100 nominations and handed out 100 awards in 10 categories.

We have entertained more than 3,000 people at the awards ceremonies, in recent years held at the Hilton Hotel off Purley Way, when guests have listened to the Royal Russell Orchestra and a host of special guests.

This year, you can collect and hand in completed Croydon Champions nomination forms to staff at the Croydon Visitor Centre, on Station Approach.

Winners from last year's Croydon Champions awards include UnderCroydon who were named Arts Champion for transforming the borough's underpasses by painting murals.

Community Champion Dan Hicks was recognised for organising the clean up in Croydon following the August riots.

And Croydon schools' sport legend David Lomas was given a posthumous Sporting Champion award in recognition of his contribution to the borough's sports teams.

Tough toddler Nevaeh Green, who has bravely battled leukaemia, was crowned Child of Courage, while House of Reeves was named Business Champion after bouncing back when their 150-year-old shop was destroyed during the August riots.

Croydon Champions project manager, Kate Price, said: "Every year we hear some truly uplifting stories about those people within the community who sacrifice their lives to make life for others more bearable."