During the pandemic we have all relied on that friendly face and those people who have offered a helping hand in a time of need, and now is your chance to recognise someone who has contributed to your community.

The Place to be Proud of Awards return this year as does the Unsung Hero Award.

An Unsung Hero is a person that makes an important contribution to the community whether that is as a volunteer, or supporting others (unpaid), it is someone that does a lot, and may have been doing it for a long time but doesn’t get much public recognition. We all know a community unsung hero – use this category to say a heartfelt thank you for all their work behind the scenes, and is open to nominees that have not won this type of award before.

READ MORE: Celebrate your neighbours who go above and beyond and nominate them for a Place to be Proud of award

Last year the award was won by Catherine Waters-Clark and judges said “she is an inspiration to those around her and has worked tirelessly for the community in the face of real challenges”.

The award this year is sponsored by Festival Place.

Neil Churchill, centre director, said: “Festival Place is delighted to once again sponsor the Unsung Hero category at the Place to be Proud of awards. Every year we are blown away by the kindness and selflessness of the local community heroes nominated and it’s great to be able to recognise them on the awards night for all the fantastic work they do in our community.”

The Place to be Proud of awards are organised by Destination Basingstoke in partnership with Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Basingstoke Voluntary Action, and the Gazette as media partners.

The awards recognise the contributions made by individuals, groups, organisations, places and initiatives that make our borough a diverse, vibrant community and a great place to live and do business. Individual categories are sponsored by locally-based businesses.

Nominations are free to enter and can be made online at www.destinationbasingstoke.co.uk.

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