THEY are young people to be proud of – and the landmark A Place to be Proud of Awards will be where this year’s Basingstoke and Deane young heroes are recognised and rewarded.

Queen Mary’s College (QMC), in Basingstoke, is again sponsoring the Young Role Model category, and QMC principal Mark Henderson is looking forward to reviewing the nominations and presenting the winner’s prize at the 20th anniversary awards at the Haymarket Theatre on Thursday, June 8.

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Mr Henderson said: “Queen Mary’s College is a long-term sponsor of the Young Role Model category at the A Place to be Proud of Awards. This is a great opportunity to recognise young individuals who stand out for their outstanding achievements and contribution to the Basingstoke community.”

Destination Basingstoke chair Jonathan Pender said: “The A Place to be Proud of Awards is always a special occasion, and this year’s event will be particularly memorable as we celebrate the 20th year of the awards.

“Destination Basingstoke, with the support of fantastic sponsors and key partners, has been delighted to deliver these awards for many years, and it is always wonderful to put the spotlight on the people, businesses and community organisations that make Basingstoke and Deane a place to be proud of.”

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It was back in 2003 that the first awards were launched – and since then, hundreds of wonderful finalists and winners have been recognised for their outstanding achievements in, or contributions to, Basingstoke and Deane.

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

• Health & Wellbeing Award – sponsored by Lilly

• Community Project Award – sponsored by Destination Basingstoke • Above and Beyond Award – sponsored by Castle Trust Bank

• Volunteer of the Year Award – sponsored by Beaufort Financial (Reading)

• Arts & Entertainment Award – sponsored by Basingstoke Community Radio • Young Role Model Award – sponsored by Queen Mary’s College

• Unsung Hero Award – sponsored by Champion Group

• Business and the Community Award – sponsored by Shaw Gibbs

Destination Basingstoke has again partnered with Basingstoke Voluntary Action and Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to help ensure the call to nominate reached every part of the local community.

Gazette Newspapers, which was a founder of the awards in 2003, is the media partner for the 20th year, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council is the overall event sponsor, and Minuteman Press is sponsoring the welcome reception and event programmes.

Nominations have now closed and the judges will review the nominations in the next few weeks. All nominees of finalists will be invited to the awards ceremony, and many past winners will also be guests at the milestone event.