Who are London's doves of peace?

By Penny Wrout
BBC London Communities Editor

It's nearly a decade since a hyper-active pastor from Tottenham decided it was time for him to roll his sleeves up and see what he could do about the spiral of street crime and violence on his local streets.

Week of peace marches in London

What emerged, when the energetic Nims Obunge put his mind to it, was the Week of Peace, now in its ninth year.

It began in Haringey, as an opportunity for families and young people to express their dismay at the growing culture of gun and gang violence but it has grown beyond recognition.

Every September, the annual Week of Peace now spreads right across the capital and beyond, with its big showcase concert filling Trafalgar Square.

The week embraces marches, concerts, talent shows, religious and social gatherings, sports meetings and a special awards ceremony to recognise the many efforts by individuals to promote harmony across London.

Nominations

So, while the week encompasses an element of protest and lobbying it has broadened to take on a celebratory feel, pointing up community achievements and showing a way forward for the future.

This year the awards are divided into 11 categories. Nominations for bravery, for community engagement and for voluntary effort are all being sought.

Nims Obunge

But thinking out of the box, categories have been extended to include the Parents Award, for those who have brought peace to their families, and the Turn Around Award, for ex-offenders.

Organisers of the Week of Peace really knew they'd make it into the mainstream last year when the Prime Minister hosted a Downing Street reception for winners of the awards and many of the volunteers and supporters who make the events possible.

But Gordon Brown isn't the only politician to be won over by the arguments and energy of Nims and his team - both David Cameron and Nick Clegg are Peace Week enthusiasts too.

That cross-party support is reflected in the backers of the organisation, who range from supermarkets to police forces and religious groups.

How to nominate

If you fancy nominating someone for a Peace Award, you can find a full list of the categories and an application form here.