Who could win the Nobel Peace Prize?

Syria's White Helmets volunteer rescuers, German chancellor Angela Merkel and even Donald Trump are among those tipped to win the Nobel peace prize on Friday.

The world-famous award has received a record 376 nominations this year, including 228 individuals and 148 organisations.

The prize committee never releases a list of those on the shortlist but the details of many of nominees have been announced by the people who put them forward.

A wide range of 'thought leaders' including members of parliament, university professors and members of foreign policy institutes are all allowed to nominate candidates for the £735,000 prize.

Among those up for the peace award are:

  • Syria's 'White Helmets' rescuers

The White Helmets Credit: Reuters

The volunteer rescue teams who dig through rubble in rebel-held territory to help rescue survivors of attacks in Syria's brutal civil war are seen as some of those most likely to win.

Known for their distinctive helmets - which offer little real protection in the event of an attack - the group has been seen as a symbol of hope amid the deepening crisis.

Ammar Alsalmo from the group spoke to News at Ten:

  • Colombia's peace negotiators

Juan Manuel Santos and Rodrigo Londoño shake hands Credit: Reuters

Colombian president Juan Manuel Santos and the Farc rebel leader Rodrigo Londoño, aka Timochenko, were initially heavily favoured to win after agreeing a landmark deal that would have ended 52 years of war.

Their prospects are thought to have slipped after voters rejected the peace accord in a national referendum - but they could still win in a message to keep working on it.

  • Greek island residents

A Greek islander Credit: Reuters

The Greek islanders on the front line of Europe's migrant crisis have been nominated for the warm welcome they have given to those fleeing across the sea in the hope of a better life.

It's known that people in particular have been named, including a fisherman who helped rescue people from the sea and an elderly resident pictured bottle-feeding a Syrian baby.

  • Angela Merkel

Angela Merkel Credit: Reuters

The German chancellor could win for her open door policy on refugees - but it's likely that she's hoping she does not get the award.

Merkel missed out on the prize last year and could yet win this year. But given how controversial her decision to welcome in migrants has been with Germans she is probably hoping that the committee does not invite fresh debate by handing her the Nobel.

  • Pope Francis

Pope Francis Credit: Reuters

The Nobel committee have never yet given the peace prize to a pope, but Francis could be about to change that.

His calls for greater understanding and outspoken interventions for the poor and needy worldwide have endeared him to many both in and out of the church.

  • Svetlana Gannushkina

Svetlana Gannushkina Credit: Reuters

The Russian activist runs the human rights group Civic Assistance Committee which has highlighted injustices and helped thousands of migrants.

A win for her would be politically controversial as it would be an implicit criticism of the Russian president Vladimir Putin.

  • Donald Trump

Donald Trump Credit: Reuters

Something of a wild card entry, Trump has reportedly been nominated for his "vigorous peace through strength ideology".

He is not expected to win.