AN ANNUAL awards scheme which recognises the heroes of Basingstoke has launched for 2015.

The A Place to be Proud of Awards celebrate local unsung heroes, and nominations are invited for individuals, organisations and projects that have made a difference to the community.

There are a range of awards up for grabs in seven categories, which are all sponsored by local businesses.

These are:

  • Arts and Entertainment Award – Basingstoke Leisure Park
  • Young Achiever Award – Gazette Newspapers and The Breeze
  • Sports Hero Award – Basingstoke Sports Centre
  • Unsung Hero Award – Absolutely Offices
  • Health and Care Award – Destination Basingstoke
  • Basingstoke Ambassador Award – Face TV and Queen Mary’s College
  • Community Project Award – Sentinel Housing Association

The Sports Hero category will be chosen from a short list of three by a public online vote.

Steven Connolly, director of Festival Place and chairman of Destination Basingstoke, which organises the awards, said: “Destination Basingstoke is delighted to organise this special event once again on behalf of all the sponsors and supporters, we look forward to receiving some great nominations in 2015.

“The awards celebration is a great way to show appreciation for the truly inspirational efforts of so many people across the borough. This year we at Festival Place are also very pleased to be sponsoring the drinks reception for the first time.”

Nominations can be made online at destinationbasingstoke.co.uk or by downloading a form.

The closing date is March 31.

Finalists will be invited to the awards ceremony at The Haymarket theatre on June 3.