WE’RE no different than anyone else in these unprecedented times and, so, the Dunfermline Press and Central Fife Times has had to postpone our sixth annual Community Champions Awards.

The event, which had been scheduled to run in the Glen Pavilion on Friday, June 12, is now due to take place on Friday, October 30 at the same venue.

It is important to stress that, for those people who have already nominated a person, club or group for an award in one of our categories, all existing entries will still be included.

We hope to relaunch the event at the end of April, however, entries remain open.

The new deadline for entries to be received is by Thursday, July 23.

To nominate, and for updates on the awards, visit the website http://newsquestscotlandevents.com/events/dunfcommchamp/

These are the toughest of times but when the going gets tough, the West and Central Fife community gets going and our event in October will no doubt be a celebration of the extraordinary community spirit we have already seen in this area.

Times Chief Reporter Jim Stark said: “It’s been our privilege to already report on some incredible acts of kindness, generosity and community spirit in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak and we’re only at the start of this crisis, including the work of the Benarty Emergency Response volunteers.

“For sure, our lives have been changed dramatically, possibly for some considerable time, and it is a time of great uncertainty and worry.

“But our Community Awards awards have always been about celebrating the positives, sharing stories of strength and spirit, courage and community, stories that inspire and bring us together.

“The outstanding community support already on display during this time must be recognised and rewarded and our Community Champions Awards on October 30 will allow us to do that.

“With your help, we can honour and celebrate the selfless, unsung heroes who are going the extra mile to help us all pull together and get through this.

“Nominate them now, at the website above, and we can give them the recognition they so richly deserve when all this is over.”

The Times is affected equally by this crisis. Our entire editorial and advertising teams are working on their own, from home, and are putting the paper together in the best way we can.

Jim added: "Sadly the coronavirus crisis lockdown situation means we have lost the use of the Lochgelly Centre cafe as our base, meantime and our plan to re-open the Lochgelly Office, in Bank Street, in the interim has also had to be put on hold.

"However, our advertising team can be contacted on 01383 747500 and I can be contacted on 01383 747511 for any new items or email editorial@centralfifetimes.co.uk

"We are very much here for you and want to hear and report your stories and concerns, both relating to the pandemic and on other issues entirely. "Yes, this virus is of grave concern and is dominating our lives just now. But it’s not the only thing in life – as many in Cowdenbeath-Lochgelly area are demonstrating – and we’d love to hear your news so we can share your stories with others or through the Central Fife Times Facebook page or through the Send Us Your News function on our website".