HELP make Christmas come early for a Local Hero who deserves to be treated like a real VIP.
We're looking for you to nominate somebody special for the honour of switching on the Christmas lights in Grimsby this year. You could nominate a tireless fundraiser, an inspirational business leader, or simply a brilliant parent – the choice is yours!
All you need to do is fill in the details of the person you're nominating in the form at the bottom of this page. Who knows, your Local Hero could be following in the footsteps of cerebral palsy sufferer Jake Storr, 11, from Grimsby, who was chosen to travel in Santa's sleigh and illuminate Grimsby for the festive season last year.
Editor Michelle Lalor said: "We want to hear about all the unsung heroes in the community who really deserve the honour of switching on the lights. It doesn't matter if they're a community stalwart who has made a difference to the whole borough, or simply a family member who has brightened your day.
"Just tell us why you believe they should be chosen as our festive Local Hero and they could be in with a chance of enjoying this once-in-a-lifetime honour. Jake had a fantastic time last year and we're looking forward to seeing our second Local Hero enjoy the honour just as much."
Preparations are now well underway for The Big Christmas Event 2013, which will take over Top Town on Thursday, November 21 and Friday, November 22.
Last year's inaugural celebration of all things festive – run by the Grimsby Telegraph and North East Lincolnshire Council, along with key partners – was a huge success.
And the 2013 extravaganza promises to be bigger and better than before, kicking off with the light switch-on and launch of late-night shopping on November 21.
Jason Longhurst, head of development at the council, said: "After the success of last year's inaugural Christmas event in Grimsby, we are delighted to support this year's event, which we hope will attract visitors and North East Lincolnshire residents and bringing the town alive with festive spirit once again.
"The event is a fantastic opportunity for people to come together and celebrate the advent of the festive season and to support local businesses. "As well as a market selling delicious local produce, raising awareness about what people have available to them on their doorstep, shops will be opening late allowing people to stock up on gifts and essentials ready for Christmas."
Nominate a Local Hero by filling out the form below: