Locals are really getting behind Tauranga volunteers with almost 100 entries in the Western Bay of Plenty area for this year's Trustpower Community Awards.

Trustpower reports today a total of 51 entries have been received in the Tauranga category, with a further 45 in the Western Bay since entries closed on July 4.

The community awards, which recognise and reward voluntary groups for the outstanding contribution they make to the community, are run in partnership with the Tauranga City Council and Western Bay of Plenty District Council.

Entries for the Community Awards closed on Friday 4 July. Trustpower Community Relations Representative Jess Somerville says the awards help recognise people who put their hearts and souls into helping out.

'The generosity of volunteers and the variety of projects they lend a hand to for their local community never ceases to amaze me.

'Once again the Tauranga and Western Bay of Plenty communities have got behind their community, and I'm stoked that we will be celebrating so many talented, resourceful and hardworking volunteers through this year's Trustpower Community Awards in both the Tauranga and Western Bay of Plenty regions.

'I would like to thank all of the people who put so much effort into this year's entries.”

The Awards cover five categories; Heritage and Environment, Health and Wellbeing, Arts and Culture, Sport and Leisure, and Education and Child/Youth Development. The category winners receive $500 and runners-up receive $250.

The Supreme Winner from each of the Tauranga and Western Bay of Plenty Community Awards will take home $1500, a trophy, framed certificate and an all-expenses paid trip to the Trustpower National Community Awards.

The 2014 Trustpower National Community Awards are in Wellington in March 2015.

The entries for the Trustpower Community Awards are currently being prepared for judging with the results of the Tauranga Awards to be announced and presented at a function on Monday 18 August at Baypark and the Western Bay of Plenty Awards to be announced and presented on Monday 25 August at Comvita. All entered organisations as well as those that entered groups will be invited.