Pride of Andover Awards: Finalists announced for 2025

The faces of those nominated for this year's awards will be familiar to many in the town for going above and beyond in the community.

The Awards' website said: "The Pride of Andover Awards is thrilled to have chosen our 2025 finalists, bringing us one step closer to celebrating Andover’s unsung heroes at this year’s award ceremony in October.

Pride of Andover Awards 2024(Image: AndreapennA Photography)

"Our dedicated committee and sponsors had the privilege of hearing stories that moved and inspired us, showcasing the strength, kindness, and passion within our community.

"Every nomination highlighted individuals whose hard work and commitment have made a lasting impact on our town."

The Pride of Andover Awards will take place at The Lights on October 22.

The finalists this year are: Fon Ferdinand, Michael Cunningham, Riley Jackson, Chloe Howard, Gary Osborne, Jasmine Jolliffe, Kelly Ryder, Archie Pearce, Emily Marsh, Clare Oliver from the Andover Ladies Choir, Barbara Stewart, Michael Ford, Mariah Cavuoto, Andover Repair Cafe, Susan Risdale, Sarah Walkom, Sophie Ross, and Anna White.

Pride of Andover Awards is releasing videos showcasing each of the finalists ahead of the ceremony.

In his video, published on the Awards' Facebook, Mr Osborne, known as Burgers He Wrote, said: "Obviously, I'm massively proud to have been nominated for these awards.

"For anyone to feel like I'm worthy because of something that I've done means a lot to me.

"I'm really happy that anyone who's nominated and for their reasons, and the reasons, I believe is because I help local businesses, especially within hospitality, and especially local small independent businesses where we can get people through the door.

"It builds the community by them being successful as well."

In her video, Sophie Ross, a talented actor and personal trainer at Dawn Breakers, said: "I feel wonderful; I feel very surprised, it's really surreal, and it makes me proud to be a part of this community."

Michael Ford from Kick Out The Stigma - Andover, said: "I was surprised; really didn't expect it - I just do what I do.

"I don't want no awards for it, I don't want praise for it [...] it all happens by the support of the group itself.

"Without them, nothing would be as it is."

Claire Oliver, the founder and MD of the Andover Ladies Choir, said: "I'm really excited and surprised.

"When I got the phone call, I didn't know we had been nominated, and it's such an honour to be able to represent Andover in the music that we make here."