TODAY we are launching an awards scheme to recognise the unsung heroes in our community.

We know there are so many people out there who go the extra mile, who volunteer tirelessly for charities, who are carers, incredible fund-raisers or who have faced adversity with great courage.

We all know people like this but now we want to recognise their efforts publicly.

The South Wales Argus Pride of Gwent Awards, which is being sponsored by Newport City Council and Friars Walk, will culminate in an awards presentation and lunch in March next year.

Make you Pride in Gwent nomination here

And we have already earned the support of many businesses in Gwent keen to get behind an awards scheme which pays tribute to those whose dedication and commitments makes a real difference to living in Gwent.

South Wales Argus editor Nicole Garnon said: "We are delighted to be able to launch these awards to recognise and reward the unsung heroes in our community.

"We often feature stories of individuals such as Jackie Lewis of Newport who has raised tens of thousands of pounds for St David's Hospice, or former soldier Ron Jones who at 99 was the country's oldest poppy seller.

"But we want to go a bit further than just reporting on amazing stories like these and we want to reward the efforts of people whose dedication and commitment make our communities tick."

The categories of awards are:

  • 999 hero Award
  • Charity Champion Award
  • Life Saver Award
  • Special Recognition Award
  • Community Hero Award
  • Courage Award Award
  • Achiever Award
  • Good Samaritan Award
  • Volunteer Award
  • Carer Award
  • Local Hero Award
  • Environment Award
  • Lifetime Achievement Award

To nominate someone for an award fill in the form here. 

The closing date for nominations is January 27. with a judging panel picking winners in February followed by a ceremony in March at the Coldra Court Hotel by Celtic Manor.

South Wales Argus: