TalkTalk have contacted me in regard to this year’s TalkTalk Digital Heroes Awards. They are asking me to nominate groups in my constituency for the Awards – a unique competition that recognises and rewards people who are using technology to help their communities.

The Digital Heroes Awards, run in partnership with the Daily Mirror and charities Citizens Online and Go ON UK, 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, now in their fifth year, have provided funding and support to 49 organisations across Britain, including various charities which have used technology to help children and youth, the homeless and people with disabilities.

If any local groups want to contact me because they think they meet the criteria and would benefit from this funding and would like to take part in the competition, please email me at featherstonel@parliament.uk

Groups are also welcome to make direct submissions themselves. The deadline for entries is 14 September 2012.