Nominate a hero (From Basingstoke Gazette)

Nominate a hero

4:00pm Wednesday 1st February 2012 in News By Emily Roberts

NOMINATE your local heroes for an award – that’s the message from the organisers of the Basingstoke A Place to be Proud of Awards.

Former Reading Football Club captain Ady Williams, who is now a presenter on BBC Radio Berkshire, will be the host of this year’s prestigious event.

Local people are being urged to get their favourite individuals or organisations in the running for a prize ahead of the March 31 deadline.

Reading legend Ady was at last month’s launch, and said he was pleased to be invited to host the awards.

He added: “I came to Basingstoke last year to report on the Destination Basingstoke Shire Half-Marathon and saw a fantastic example of the great community spirit of the town.

“I am really looking forward to meeting some of the people who make this a real place to be proud of.”

The awards presentation and dinner, which will take place on Sunday, May 20 in Festival Place, will honour individuals, organisations and companies that have made a special contribution to the community.

There are six categories – arts and entertainment; young achiever; schools and education; unsung hero; health and care; and Basingstoke ambassador. The unsung hero category will be chosen by the public through an online vote.

Felicity Edwards, managing director of Destination Basingstoke, which organises the event, said: “We are always stunned by the quality and diversity of nominations, and look forward to receiving more in 2012.”

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