Sunday Life and Specsavers have joined forces to launch a search for Northern Ireland’s unsung heroes.

We are looking for men, women and children who you believe best capture the Spirit of Northern Ireland in 2011, by selflessly serving others and being an inspiration to us all.

The unique Northern Ireland-wide search will give recognition to those whose good deeds have previously gone mostly unnoticed.

Sunday Life and Specsavers are looking for ordinary people who are doing extraordinary things to help others — people whose uplifting stories of selfless acts will touch the hearts of all who read them.

Whether for demonstrating a spirit of compassion, neighbourliness, charity, enterprise, courage or devotion, all nominations are welcome.

The winner of the overall Spirit of Northern Ireland Award will receive a fantastic prize to help thank them for all they have given to others. All those who submit nominations will automatically be submitted into a prize draw to win a £150 eyecare voucher and a VIP meet and greet night at the awards, courtesy of Specsavers.

There are four awards in total: the Specsavers Overcoming Adversity Award, the Sunday Life Unsung Hero Award, the UTV Young Persons Award and the overall Spirit of Northern Ireland Award.

Many of you reading this will already know the kind of people we are looking for as they make your lives, your neighbourhood and this country a better place.

Click here to nominate your candidate for the Sunday Life Spirit of Northern Ireland Awards with Specsavers.

To find your closest Specsavers, visit www.specsavers.co.uk