A new category honouring the efforts of critical workers during the coronavirus pandemic has been added to next year’s St David Awards.

The annual St David Awards acknowledge the extraordinary achievements of people in or from Wales.

The judging panel at the awards, which are organised by Welsh Government, will also consider nominations for people who have contributed during the pandemic, whether through an act of kindness or volunteering work for example.

Businesses which have helped in the battle against coronavirus can also be nominated for awards.

All finalists are chosen by the St David Awards Advisory Committee, which includes former St David Awards winners and finalists.

The winners are then chosen by the First Minister of Wales, Mark Drakeford.

The award categories include:

• Critical worker
• Bravery
• Community spirit
• Culture and sport
• Business
• Innovation
• Science and technology
• Humanitarian
• First Minister’s special award

The First Minister said: “We could not have responded to the pandemic without the dedication and hard work of our critical workers throughout Wales. To recognise this, I have added a new category to the list of the St David Awards.

“I’m calling on everyone to help find our everyday heroes – whether family member, friend, colleague or neighbour – and make a nomination for an award.

“With your help we can celebrate the pillars of our community who inspire and lead positive change, our sporting mavericks and scientists who push the boundaries of what we think can be achieved, our innovators and culture makers who help us understand our world in new ways, and the super-humans who remind us that heroes don’t need capes.”

Nominations for the St David Awards are now open and can be made at obv.sr/sdanom

Nominations will be open until October 15.

The finalists will be announced on February 25, with the awards ceremony set to be held on March 15.