THEY have been chosen for their outstanding contributions to their communities – and now it is time for you to decide the winner of the Unsung Hero category in this year’s Basingstoke A Place to be Proud of Awards.

Three finalists have been chosen, with the winner being decided by a public vote, open until May 7.

Nick Hicks has lived in Tadley all his life and dedicates his time to the community, teaching after-school activities, as well as running a local youth group.

John Evans, from Ellisfield, has been involved with Basingstoke Rugby Football Club since the 1950s.

As well as being club president, John has held various other positions over the years, and has been a key player in the off-field changes that have seen the club progress and grow.

He has also been involved in supporting several local charity causes.

Third finalist Carnegie Lewis works tirelessly to clean the streets of Popley, in Basingstoke.

He was chosen for the shortlist for his commitment and passion for his job and for building a good relationship with the Popley community.

Carel Rose, corporate responsibility manager at Basingstoke-based AXA Wealth, which is sponsoring the award, said: “There have been many worthy nominations this year and it is an absolute pleasure to read about the outstanding contributions local people make to the community.

“However, we have received three nominations that particularly stood out – Nick Hicks, who has made a significant impression on the youth within Tadley, Carnegie Lewis, who goes about his work in such a way that it positively affects the Popley community that he serves, and finally, John Evans, who has worked tirelessly over such a long period for Basingstoke Rugby Football Club.”

The winner of the Unsung Hero Award will be revealed, along with the winners of the other categories, at the A Place to be Proud of Awards on May 20.

* To read more about all the finalists and to vote for the Unsung Hero, visit destinationbasingstoke.co.uk, or use the voting coupon in today's Extra.