THE finalists of the Pride of Andover awards have been revealed.

Now in its 15th year, the ceremony celebrates the best the town has to offer. It returns to The Lights theatre later this month.

This year Pride of Andover Awards received a record breaking numbers for nominations. Selected by friends, family, and co-workers alike, this year’s finalists represent a cross section of some of Andover’s most community-minded volunteers, employees, friends and charity-workers; all freely giving their time and energy to make Andover a town to be proud of.

Karen Hamilton, chairman of the Pride of Andover Awards said: “Congratulations to our finalists for 2021! This year’s nominations were of a very high standard and the judging panel had some very welcome but difficult decisions on our hands.

“This year’s finalists all stood out as exceptional individuals doing wonderful things for Andover, and the communities within it.

“We look forward to celebrating their achievements at The Lights theatre on 26th October.”

The 18 finalists are: Rick Smart, Victoria Harber & Andover Isolation Group, Tania Hall, Kelly Hull, Kevin Rush, Ayden Knight, Charlotte Birmingham, Andover Advocates, Paige Seddon & Coral Lewington, Dani Lou Kelly, Louise Vincent, Dmitrijs Meiksans MYP, Clare Oliver, Paul Williams, Chrissi Kelly, Adam Phillips, Dylan Lintern, and Nicky Bates.

Lockdown heroes, mental health supporters and school volunteers have all been recognised within shortlist.

The ceremony aims to laud those who make the town and its surrounding villages the best they can be.

Among those nominated was Dani Lou Kiely, who set up a Facebook group called ‘You Matter Too’ and now offers support for anyone who is going through difficult times. Whether it is break ups to domestic violence or the pandemic, Dani offers help, support and guidance to those who need it most.

A rising star of the future, Ayden Knight appears on the shortlist. At 14-years-old, he dedicates all of his time outside of school to becoming a professional golfer, and won the men’s golf tournament in Andover in August.

Meanwhile Nicky Bates gave up much of her time during the pandemic to jab, shop, pick up prescriptions, offer lifts, nurse, counsel, and volunteer at the Andover Isolation Group too. Her business as a counsellor led her to offer free sessions to those who genuinely needed it, especially during the pandemic.

Having lost the sense of smell in 2012, Chrissi Kelly set up a charity called AbScent to support others. Based in Andover, it also helps anyone affected by anosmia or other smell disorders across the world. During the pandemic, AbScent’s support page on Facebook became inundated with people losing their smell and taste and had nowhere to turn. Chrissi immediately campaigned along with other international medical organisations and charities to get smell and taste loss recognised as an official symptom of Covid-19.

Representing 25,000 residents, Dmitrijs Meiksans has set up his own youth charity, as well as working tirelessly with different organisations, councillors, and charities to improve the Andover community. Dmitrijs raised money during lockdown interviewing local guests, hosted and organised A-Fest, and still has time getting involved in the community.

The brains behind a mental health support page on Instagram, Paige Seddon and Coral Lewington support over 38,000 Andover residents by signposting them to services, running daily live videos so those isolated can connect with others and help improve the mental wellbeing of others. They now support people of all ages and walks of life.

The awards ceremony will be presented by Andover’s very own Jordan Wylie, who took home the Spirit of Andover award in 2019.

The former soldier, extreme adventurer and best selling author is best known as one of the hunters on Channel 4’s Hunted.