CAFE owner Michelle Stutter has certainly made a mark on her customers, and not just for the food and drinks she serves at the Singing Teapot in Wotton-under-Edge.

She is one of the early nominations for our Pride of the Cotswolds Awards, which are supported by Ecotricity.

The awards aim to honour those whose contribution to their employer, charity or community makes them truly exceptional.

We also want to celebrate the Cotswolds, this beautiful part of the world so rich in outstanding organisations and individuals.

Michelle has run the Singing Teapot in Long Street for 10 years.

But Louise Graham, who nominated her for our Community Pride award, says she is more than just a cafe owner.

“She has become a friend and confidant to her customers,” says Louise. “They come from far and wide because she is such a lovely person who, at the drop of a hat, will stop everything to help someone.”

Also nominated in the Community Pride category is Minchinhampton Patients Participation Group.

It runs a transport service for patients at Minchinhampton Surgery, taking them to medical appointments all over the county and into Bristol.

Gerald Ford, who nominated the group, said: “This service is a lifeline to the elderly of Minchinhampton, who without it would have to call a taxi, which can be very expensive.”

Trudie Ellis, of Tetbury, has nominated her son, Andrew for our Child of the Year award.

Andrew is a five-year-old boy who has had a lot to deal with over the last year, including the loss of his beloved grandad.

Trudie says: “His grampy was his best friend. Since the very sudden and upsetting situation Andrew has taken it upon himself to make sure his nanny is kept safe, and will often go to stay with her to make sure she isn’t lonely.

“A truly loving and caring little boy.”

The Pride of the Cotswold Awards will be presented in a glitzy ceremony at the New Lawn stadium, home of Forest Green Rovers Football Club, in September.

Supplements in the paper and coverage on our website and social media will list which awards are up for grabs, and which are finally shortlisted.

Our independent judging panel will sift through your nominations and identify those with the qualities they feel best match the award category criteria. They will make their decision based on the content of the nomination rather than the number of nominations received.

Join us in applauding those who help make the Cotswolds great.