MP calls on digital heroes to step forward

South Lakes MP, Tim Farron is calling for local groups to enter the TalkTalk Digital Heroes Awards 2013, a unique competition that recognises and rewards people who are using technology to help their communities.

The awards, now in their sixth year, have provided funding and support to 62 organisations across Britain, including various charities which have used technology to help children and youth, the homeless and people with disabilities.

The 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.

In previous years local broadband campaigners like John Colton and the team behind FibreGarden in Garsdale, Councillor Libby Bateman and Ravenstondale Parish Council have won or been nominated for the award. Tim is hoping we can find another winner this year too!

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.

In addition to the main awards, Martha Lane Fox will present a special award for the Young Digital Hero on behalf of Go ON UK, a charity she chairs which aims to make UK the world's most digitally connected nation. The top prize is £4,000 for their chosen charity and an Apple MacBook Air.

Commenting, Tim said: "There are so many leaders in digital technology in our area and this competition is their chance to get the recognition that they deserve. It also highlights our continuing efforts to bring superfast broadband to the whole of Cumbria. These awards celebrate inspirational people who utilise their knowledge, skills and ingenuity to benefit local communities and I am proud to offer them my support."

The awards are now open for submissions at www.talktalkdigitalheroes.co.uk and the deadline for entries is August 14, 2013. The Twitter hashtag for the awards is #digitalheroes.