A HIGH-PROFILE awards event, which recognises local heroes in Basingstoke and Deane, is celebrating a milestone as it launches for the 10th year.

Nominations are now open for the 2013 A Place to be Proud of Awards, which honours individuals, organisations and projects that have made a special contribution to the community.

There are a range of categories, all sponsored by local businesses.

These are: Arts and Entertainment, Young Achiever, Schools and Education, Unsung Hero, Health and Care and Basingstoke Ambassador.

This year’s Unsung Hero award will be chosen by a public online vote, from a shortlist of three nominations.

The venue for the awards ceremony has been changed for 2013, and it will be held in The Haymarket theatre, in Wote Street, Basingstoke, on Wednesday, June 5.

Steven Connolly, centre director of Festival Place, where the awards ceremony has been held in previous years, and vice-chairman of Destination Basingstoke, which organises |the A Place to be Proud of Awards, said: “Destination Basingstoke is delighted to organise this special event again on behalf of all the sponsors and supporters.

“We are always stunned by the quality and diversity of nominations and look forward to receiving more in 2013. What better way to start the year than by showing your appreciation for all the hard work done by individuals and organisations across the borough than by nominating them for an award?”

Mr Connolly said to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the awards, organisers are hoping to hear from past winners to find out what they have done since, and to invite them to this year’s ceremony.

He added: “It will be a fantastic chance for all involved to reflect on what we have all achieved over the last 10 years.”

Previous winners should contact Nina Muir, at Destination Basingstoke, on 01256 461167 or nina.muir@destination basingstoke.co.uk.

Nominations can be made online at destin ationbasingstoke.co.uk or by collecting a form from Festival Place information desk, the Discovery Centre or Parklands reception at the borough council’s Civic Offices.