THERE is still time to nominate local heroes for this year’s A Place to be Proud of Awards.

But you had better be quick as the deadline is Tuesday, March 31.

The awards recognise the contributions made by individuals, groups, organisations, places and initiatives that make Basingstoke and Deane a diverse and vibrant community, and a great place to live and do business.

Individual categories are sponsored by local businesses.

Guest speaker at the 12th A Place to be Proud of Awards will be BBC Radio Berkshire presenter Anne Diamond.

Nina Muir from Destination Basingstoke, which organises the awards, said they are a chance to give some well earned recognition to local people and groups that make a difference to our community.

She added: “Once again we have received some excellent nominations and the judges are set for a really tough job, but there is still time for more – we wouldn’t want anyone that is working hard for the community to miss the chance to see how much they are appreciated.”

There are seven categories for the awards, which are: 

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

It is free and easy to make a nomination – just visit destinationbasingstoke.co.uk and find the details under the ‘About’ tab.

The winners will be announced at a special awards evening on Wednesday, June 3, at The Haymarket theatre, in Wote Street, Basingstoke.

A Place to be Proud of Awards is supported by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, Festival Place, Gazette Newspapers, The Breeze, BBC Radio Berkshire and Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.