The town will celebrate The Gazette-backed Basingstoke's Place to be Proud of Awards next Wednesday.

Though for the first time in the event's 17 year history, the awards ceremony will take place virtually.

The public is being invited to log on Wednesday, July 15, at 6pm to pay tribute to the unsung heroes across the borough.

Those at home can watch via Destination Basingstoke's Facebook page or YouTube channel. The awards recognise a whole range of people, organisations and projects that contribute to our community. The categories are as follows:

•Arts & Entertainment (sponsored by Basingstoke Leisure Park)

•Young Role Model (sponsored by Queen Mary’s College)

•Unsung Hero (sponsored by Festival Place)

•Health & Care (sponsored by BMI Hampshire Clinic)

•Community Project (sponsored by Face TV)

•Business and the Community (sponsored by Basingstoke Together)

•Above and Beyond

•Green Champion of the Year (sponsored by The Gazette)

•Charity of the Year (sponsored by Sovereign)

Past winner Dave Holby-Wolinski and Felicity Edwards from Destination Basingstoke are hosting the event. They will be streamed from Face TV’s studios in Basingstoke and can be watched live from the Destination Basingstoke Facebook page.

“After 17 years of meeting and celebrating our community heroes in the flesh, this year we have to adapt and ask you to welcome us into your home instead. We hope this will mean that even more people will be able to witness this unique celebration of the people of Basingstoke and Deane that do so much to make this a place we can all be proud of.

The Place to be Proud of Awards always celebrate those people, projects and organisations that make Basingstoke special and this year there is the added poignancy that we are perhaps all just a bit more appreciative and understanding of what a supportive community means,” said Felicity Edwards from Destination Basingstoke.