Nominate your special heroes

7:00am Friday 9th May 2008

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THE Pride of Andover Awards are back after the resounding success of last year's awards, launched by the Andover Advertiser.

At the end of the presentation ceremony in The Lights in October 2007 broadcaster and journalist Esther Rantzen said she had enjoyed herself so much she wanted to be invited again. True to her word, she will be back this year to present the awards.

Compere Richard Cartridge, presenter at Original 106FM, will also be back at the awa-rds ceremony, which will again be held at The Lights, this time on 15 October.

The awa-rds are sponsored by HSA, Stann-ah and the Andover Advertiser, and are supported by Testway Housing, The Lights, Andover Vision and Test Valley Borough Council. Waitrose will again be providing sparkling wine along with newcomers on the block ASDA.

But the stars of the show are the nominees.

Last year many touching stories emerged - like Hazel Kybert (winner in the Carers Award category) who is always ready to help friends and relatives, even though she suffers from cerebral palsy.

Who could forget Sylvia Wicks who staged an impromptu double act with Esther Rantzen when she collected the Mayor's Award for Outstanding Contribution.

And then there was Dickie Staff (winner of the Contribution to Sport) who has worked tirelessly to develop Andover Rugby Football Club Youth Academy. Now organise--rs are planning an even bigger and better event.

If you know someone who goes that extra mile to help someone else, a special hero who works tirelessly for the community, why not nominate them?

This year organisers are particularly hoping that heroes in the field of conservation will be nominated and they would like to see more young people put forward for an award.

Other categories could include sports personality, culture, carer, community volunteer, fundraiser, or good neighbour.

Or maybe you know someone who has performed an act of bravery.

Open to anyone living within the Andover Advertiser circulation area, a shortlist of finalists will be invited to the awards ceremony on 15 October.

Winners will each receive an exclusive badge of honour, a certificate and £25 worth of vouchers for shows at The Lights.

Runners-up will each receive a certificate.

All you need to do now is fill in the nomination form or visit andoveradvertiser.co.uk to nominate online.

To nominate online go to the Andover Advertiser homepage where a picture of the Pride of Andover Awards poster will appear as part of the repeating cycle of front page pictures. Below the picture will be the report containing instructions on how to nominate online.