A CELEBRATION of Andover’s unsung heroes was officially launched at the weekend.

It has been 13 years since the Pride of Andover Awards first started and on Saturday community-minded businesses came together to celebrate the accolades which exists to shed light on the town’s unsung heroes.

The event in the Guildhall marked the start of the 13th year of celebrating the town’s otherwise unsung heroes, with awards’ sponsors gathering together to network whilst learning more about this year’s processes.

There are a total of nine categories to nominate Andover’s community champions, which are backed by new and returning sponsors including New Street Dental Care, The Commercial Centre, Ocado, The Breeze, Bear Behind Ltd & The Carpet Cleaning Lady, Aspire Defence, Andover Leisure Centre — Places Leisure, The Rock House and Andover Vision.

The categories include:

• Heart of Gold

• Sue Sheppard Award

• Services Award

• Community Champion

• Young Person of the Year

• Inspiring Others Award

• Sports Award

• Fundraiser Award

• Arts Award

The awards’ overall winner will hold the title for the Spirit of Andover category.

Chairman of the Pride of Andover Awards committee Karen Hamilton said: “2019 marks the 13th year of the Pride of Andover Awards. The generosity our sponsors have shown us during this milestone year has been truly incredible; without the support of our sponsors, we wouldn’t be able to celebrate our town’s unsung heroes.”

Nominations for the Pride of Andover Awards 2019 will open on July 1, closing at midnight on August 31.

For more information about the awards, including how to enter once the nomination period opens, go to prideofandoverawards.org.uk.