THIS week the Andover Advertiser is proud to launch the first Pride of Andover Awards, presented by TV broadcaster and journalist Esther Rantzen.

Sponsored by HSA and Stannah, and part of Andover Vision, with backing from Testway Housing, Test Valley Community Services and Test Valley Borough Council, the aim is to honour individuals who give up their time to help others or improve the community - or those who excel in their chosen activity.

Open to anyone of any age within the Andover Advert-iser circulation area, a shortlist of possible winners will be invited to a glittering awards evening at Andover's newest venue The Lights on 17 October, compered by Original 106FM presenter Richard Cartridge based in Southampton.

The winners in each category will receive an exclusive badge of honour and a certificate. Two runners-up will each receive a certificate.

Nominees could come from any walk of life. There could, for example, be a special Young Person of the Year award or a sports personality. Perhaps you know an unsung sporting coach who spends hours of his or her time working with a team or individual.

Maybe there is someone working in the field of arts or culture who deserves recognition for their brilliant work, or a volunteer teacher helping people to fulfil people's potential.

There may well be someone somewhere in the community who deserves the title hero, either for prolonged work of selfless activity or a single act of bravery.

Nominees could simply be good neighbours who keep an eye out or regularly help out when needed.

We also know there are carers in the community who deserve recognition, or maybe there is someone doing their bit for the environment. It could also be a fundraiser who pulls out all the stops for local people.

The emphasis is on local' and voluntary', so get your thinking caps on and nominate someone you think should become one of our first Pride of Andover award winners.

The deadline for nominations is Friday 20 July.

Click here to download a pdf of the nomination form and either post it to the address supplied or e mail it back to us as an attachment at newsdesk@andoveradvertiser.co.uk