A COURAGEOUS survivor from the Falklands War has given his backing to an awards event that will honour many of the Hampshire people in the frontline during the Covid-19 Pandemic.

Simon Weston CBE has agreed to host the ceremony, which will be launched by the Basingstoke Gazette next month and screened online in the summer.

The Hampshire Hero Awards will highlight the sacrifice many have made from all corners of the community. They will feature the doctors, nurses and their fellow medics who have worked tirelessly to save lives.

And there will be nominations from the emergency services, care workers and members of the public, who have all played their part.

Simon, who was severely injured when a bomb hit his ship off the Falklands nearly 40 years ago, said he hopes local businesses and organisations will get behind the event. “Since that time, I have made it my goal to recognise and help the people I see as the real heroes in life.

He said he was delighted the Basingstoke Gazette and “its sister titles in the region are going in search of our current day heroes". He said: "People who in such challenging times put their lives or wellbeing at risk to help others.”