The search is on for the community champions who make a real difference to life in East Durham.
District of Easington Council is asking for nominations for the Pride in Easington Awards 2008.
The annual event, which is now in its second year, recognises the achievements of individuals and groups across the district who have helped improve quality of life for themselves and others.
Last year’s winners included a 15-year-old who had overcome personal difficulties to become a junior boxing champ, a primary school where pupils were encouraged to understand and celebrate their neighbourhood, and a community stalwart who helped raise more than £4million in grants to help improve the local community centre.
This year’s awards will be presented during a ceremony at Shotton Hall Banqueting Suite, on Thursday, 5 June, with honours being handed out in the following categories:
· Tidy Ted School Award
· Environmental Award
· Group of the Year
· Youth Group of the Year
· Environmental Business Award
· Volunteer of the Year – over 18
· Pride in Easington Chairman’s Award for Volunteer of the Year – over 18
· The David Pattison Award for Achiever of the Year/Against the Odds
The ceremony will be hosted by Wendy Gibson, of BBC Look North.
“I am delighted to be involved with the Pride in Easington Awards, which will be a celebration of some totally amazing people,” she said.
“This is an area for which the phrase true grit was invented. Determination, winning against the odds, and deciding to make something of their lives are the hallmarks of past winners who all want to make a difference and help others too.
“Over the years, I’ve been lucky enough to be involved in a number of projects in the District of Easington, and I’m always struck by the warmth and generosity of the people and their welcome. Roll on the awards in June.”
This year’s event is being sponsored by MetroMail, Easington Community Safety Partnership, Peterlee Town Council, East Durham Local Strategic Partnership, District of Easington Youth Forum and Dalton Park.
The closing date for nominations is Monday, 31 March.
To download an application form please click on the link at the right side of the page. For further information contact the Pride in Easington team on (0191) 527 0501 or e.mail pride@easington.gov.uk