PRIDE and passion are the driving forces for the newly-announced sponsor of a category year's awards ceremony which celebrates the best of Andover.

Aspire Defence has been announced as the category sponsors for the Heart of Gold Award at the Pride of Andover Awards 2018 for the second year running.

Aspire Defence builds and maintains single living and working accommodation on Army garrisons across Salisbury Plain Training Area and at Aldershot, ensuring soldiers live, work and train in the best possible environments.

The company is currently delivering new and improved infrastructure to support the Army Basing Programme; the withdrawal of troops from Germany in 2019 and relocation of army units within the UK.

Allan Thomson, Chief Executive of Aspire Defence Limited, said: “We’re delighted to be sponsoring the Pride of Andover Awards for the second year running and, in particular, the Heart of Gold Award. This is a really prestigious award that recognises the great efforts people go to, to look after others and help their community.

“Aspire Defence is a large employer in the local area, we look after soldiers - some of whom live in Andover - and as an Andover resident myself, I’m really passionate about these awards. I encourage everyone to look around them and think about nominating someone who deserves recognition.”

The Pride of Andover Awards sheds light on the town’s unsung heroes, endorsing the inspiring and often selfless actions of Andover’s most generous individuals and promoting a sense of pride in the town.

For more information about the awards, including this year’s sponsors and awards categories, go to prideofandoverawards.org.uk.