The launch of The Pride of Andover Awards 2009

The awards recognise those who have gone the extra mile to help others and honours individuals who give up their time to improve the community or excel in their chosen activity.

Television celebrity Esther Rantzen will present the awards at the ceremony on 14 October at The Lights which will again be compered by radio presenter Richard Cartridge.

This year’s theme is Who Deserves a Medal?, as there are so many people out there who have been told they deserve a medal for what they do.

Sponsored by Simplyhealth, Stannah and the Andover Advertiser, and supported by Andover Vision, Testway Housing, Andover Sound and Test Valley Borough Council, the awards are open to anyone of any age within the Andover Advertiser circulation area.

A shortlist of possible winners will then be invited to attend the awards ceremony. The winners in each category will receive an exclusive badge of honour and a framed certificate with the opportunity to meet Esther.

Nominees could come from any walk of life – someone somewhere in the community who deserves a medal, either for prolonged work of selfless activity or a single act of bravery.

Nominees could simply be good neighbours who keep an eye out or regularly help out when needed. It could also be a fundraiser who pulls out all the stops for local people.

Nominations can be received up until 31 July online at www.prideof andoverawards.org.uk or by completing nomination forms and posting them to: Lydia Tipple, Andover Advertiser, Pride of Andover Awards 2009, 24-32 London Street, Andover, SP10 2PE.

This is your chance to reward someone who has given so much and asked for nothing in return – so get your thinking caps on and tell us who you think deserves a medal in 2009.