Nominations are open for the National Church Awards, with churches across the UK now able to enter in categories for architecture, volunteering, tourism and more.
Organisers say that with the future of many churches uncertain and under threat, there has never been a more important time to celebrate the UK’s churches and their importance to communities.
Claire Walker, chief executive of the National Churches Trust, said: “Churches are the beating hearts of communities. They contribute £55bn of economic and social good each year, bringing communities together to help them to thrive.
“We are excited to host an awards ceremony that showcases their importance, as well as the many other wonderful ways they contribute to society.
“This is a great opportunity for people across the UK to join us in celebrating local churches and their buildings.”
Churches can easily nominate themselves for an award at nationalchurchestrust.org/awards23.  
Nominations will close on July 23, with judging then taking place by church and heritage experts.
The awards ceremony is at Mercer’s Hall, London, on Monday November 6.