THERE are just a few days left for Hereford BID members to nominate themselves for an award.

Nominations for the Hereford BID 2017 Business Awards, sponsored by Maylord Shopping Centre, close on Monday, July 31.

The Hereford BID Awards are about recognising the great shops and services in our city centre as well as the organisation that is aiming to improve it even more.

There are 11 categories to enter which are: Hotel, Restaurant, Pub or Cafe of the Year; Business Services Provider; Independent Business; Customer Service; National Retailer; Best Presented; Outstanding Contribution; Putting Hereford City on the Map; Night Time Economy Business; Employee; and Employer.

And there is a Special Recognition award, chosen by the judges from all of the entries.

Hereford BID works hard to make the city centre a better place to shop and socialise.

They have just organised a business community clean-up focusing on an area that is the gateway into the city centre.

Hereford BID, Close House, the Old Market Shopping Centre and McDonald's worked together to clean between Steels and Sainsbury's.

Mark Richards-Buadromo from the Old Market said: "Old Market is committed to offering shoppers a quality experience when they visit our great city and it was natural for our team to be involved with this effort."

All businesses were enthusiastic and passionate about cleaning the city and Tammy Shears, EPICs coordinator from Close House said they were delighted to help roll up their sleeves for the good of the city, adding: "It's fantastic that businesses have got involved in this direct way and we are proud that our own young people from Close House personally asked to be involved."

Needles (inside needle boxes), clothing and general litter were all found in this area.

McDonald's owner Trevor Smith said: "McDonald's were only too pleased to lend a hand – we have been involved in every clean-up the Hereford BID has organised, and in line with our company ethos were keen to do contribute to this brilliant initiative."

It is easy to nominate yourself for a Hereford BID award. Go to www.herefordtimes.com/hbidbusinessawards/

The awards evening will be at the Shirehall in Hereford on October 5.