AWARD organisers looking to shine a light on the town’s unsung heroes have revealed this year’s finalists.

The Pride of Andover Awards is set to celebrate community figures nominated by friends, family and co-workers alike, in an evening hosted at The Lights on October 24.

Among this year’s finalists are volunteers, employees and charity workers.

This is the 12th year the awards have been held.

Karen Hamilton, chairman of the Pride of Andover Awards said: “We’d like to congratulate each and every one of this year’s finalists; the standard of the nominations we received was extremely high, and to get this far is a testament to their hard work, empathy, and commitment to our town.”

Any finalists wanting to purchase their images should contact Sue Morris by going to suemorrisphotography.co.uk or by calling 07910 819076.

The Pride of Andover Awards 2018 finalists are:

n Kelly Ryder: running Brownies and Girl Guides, Kelly dedicates her personal time to helping young girls experience new things and supports them through tough life situations.

n Jeremy Simmonds: Jeremy has been volunteering for Andover Young Carers for five years. He is a highly valued member of the management committee, with vast knowledge, and the drive and enthusiasm to do his absolute best for all the young carers he supports.

n Nadine Ross: the Knowing Us groupis a support group network run for local mothers experiencing post-natal depression, anxiety or other emotional stress. Non-funded, Nadine holds fundraisers to keep the group going, offering a safe place to talk and meet new people.

n Melissa Tucker: Greys Wildlife Rescue has been set up to help sick and injured animals as well as offering advice and assistance to ensure wildlife is correctly cared for and released back into the wild. Completely self-funded, Melissa pays for everything, from bedding to rescue equipment, from her own pocket.

n Nuno Porter-Bessant: at 10-years-old Nuno spent two years growing his hair to raise money to make wigs for children with cancer; his efforts saw him donate 13 inches of hair and raise a total of £1,075 for his chosen charity.

n Graham Howard: dedicating his personal life to sport in Andover, Graham has spent his free time making sure sport is given the recognition and prominence it deserves in the town. He’s refereed weekend football matches for years and kept village cricket and pool leagues in operation.

n Ruth Facey: an experienced jewellery maker, designer, and teacher for over 40 years, rheumatoid arthritis has never stopped Ruth from continuing her passion. As well as her jewellery making business, she has been an active member of the community; including Artsparks and Gutterblaster Band whom supported community initiatives such as the carnival and local village fetes.

n Marian Grundy: an organiser, volunteer, trustee, campaigner, fundraiser, advocate, friend, group leader ... just a few of the roles Marian has undertaken for Andover & District Mencap over the last 30 years; supporting and influencing the changes to the learning disabilities landscape, Marian has been, and remains, at the forefront.

n Natalie Jones: after the funding stopped for her position as lollipop lady, Natalie jumped into action. After extensive fundraising and support from the local community, she successfully raised enough money to keep the much-loved service running for another year; improving safety and calming traffic for the local school children.

n Hampshire Befrienders: running in Andover since 2015, this group of volunteers give their free time to people who are suffering from chronic or life limiting illnesses. Currently caring for 18 local patients, each volunteer spends time with the person, going for coffee, for a walk or just to as someone to talk to.

n Lisa Huddleston: Christmas can be a tough time for some, that’s why Lisa puts together Christmas boxes for disadvantaged children, as well as cooking and delivering meals on Christmas Day to those who are on their own during the holidays or are less able.

n Mark Deal: currently the director of employment services at Enham Trust, this person has dedicated 25 years to disability employment services in Andover. Living with muscular dystrophy, Mark’s passion and determination to create the best opportunities for disabled people far outreaches his own disability. After a severe health scare back in 2016, he used his experiences to influence the delivery and design of local services by becoming a non-exec director for diversity and inclusion of Healthwatch Hampshire.

n Alec Holloway: after 71 years on the high street, Alec finally hung up his white coat and retired from his electrical store, P Squires, on Bridge Street. A remarkable 96-year-old gentleman whom offered local, bespoke service to all of his customers, his impact on the local community has been outstanding.

n Tony & Claire Noakes of The Abel Foundation: following the birth of Abel, diagnosed with mitochondrial disease, a charity was set up to raise awareness and help other parents and children in the same situation. Whilst running their own business, Tony and Claire provide 24/7 care to Abel as well as offering financial and emotional support to others.

n Vigo School Choir has been chosen as a finalist as they share their wonderful singing at a lot of events, going that extra mile to entertain the community. Above and beyond for school children.