Faiths forum chairman from Leamington is Citizen of the Year nominee

Jatinder Birdi, 47, is the chairman of the Warwick District Faiths Forum which he founded in 2006.

The forum’s aim is to encourage unity among all faiths and religious groups within the community by - among other things - holding meetings between various representatives on a quarterly basis, producing an annual calendar which includes all the key religious festivals, holding a multi- faith display at the Leamington Peace Festival, hosting conferences and holding an annual faith trail event.

Mr Birdi, an accountant by profession who is also a director and trustee of Warwickshire Community And Voluntary Action and also works for Mediation and Community Support, said: “People of all faiths are very similar - all have common values and concerns.

“Breaking down barriers helps to build up trust and confidence within communities.”

Janet Alty, of the Leamington Green Party, was among those who nominated Mr Birdi.

She praised the father-of-two for his ‘total dedication’ to the forum.

She said: “It’s such a important thing as our world goes into really difficult times. It’s about building community resilience.”

The Courier/Weekly News, the Brakes Trust - the independent supporters’ body for fans of Leamington FC - and sponsors Alsters Kelley solicitors are looking to reward those local people who really make a difference to our communities.

There are two categories in the Citizen of the Year - adult and under 16 - and we are now looking for your nominations for that person we can all take inspiration from.

They can be from any walk of life, all we ask is that they live in Warwick district and have done good deeds to help others.

You can find out more and make your nomination by visiting http://www.citizenoftheyear.org.uk or you can send your nominations to COTY, Courier/Weekly News, 32 Hamilton Terrace, Leamington, CV32 4LY.

Please explain in no more than 250 words why your nomination deserves the award and please include your name and a daytime contact number.

Nominations close on September 1.

The winners will be revealed at an awards ceremony at the Bridge House Theatre, Warwick School,

on Friday September 26,

The evening will be hosted by Dave Sharpe of BBC Coventry and Warwickshire and features live entertainment from Warwickshire Young Voices, Amy Thomas, Warwick School Band and Tom Barnwell.

All profits will be split equally between the Brakes Trust and the chosen charities, Macmillan and the Side by Side Theatre Company.