WITH the Newport Extra Mile Awards just over two weeks away, we are giving Argus readers the chance to vote in a special category.

The South Wales Argus Readers’ Award will be given to one of the following nominees and the winner will be decided by you.

The Extra Mile Awards – run by Newport City Council to recognise achievements of people in the city – will be held at the Lysaght Institute at 6.30pm on March 6 and these people have had their stories featured in the Argus before but are now up for extra recognition for their achievements.

Voting is open until February 28 and you can cast yours by voting at the foot of this page or by texting.

Start your message with EXTRAMILE, leave a space and then then the surname of the person you are voting for, your name and address to 80360. Messages cost 50p plus your normal operator text charge. Service provided by Newsquest Media Group.

Terms and Conditions at southwalesargus.co.uk/competitions

Caerleon disabled fundraiser Ieuan Coombes

South Wales Argus:

Ieuan Coombes from Caerleon has undergone more than 20 operations in his life after being diagnosed with cerebral palsy.

Never one to shy away from a challenge, Mr Coombs – an ambassador for the Argus-backed Sparkle Appeal for the Serennu Children’s Centre at High Cross, Newport, cycled 300 miles in three days from London to Paris using a specially-made handbike, all for the Sparkle Appeal.

Newport County stalwart Tony Gilbert

South Wales Argus: TESTIMONIAL: Former Newport County kit man Tony Gilbert

TONY Gilbert was a regular fixture at Newport County for 38 years but the kit man hung up his boots last season after finding it harder to fulfil his duties.

Mr Gilbert also worked as a groundsman, physio, caretaker manager and more during his time with County, which spanned 27 different managers.

He described County as “being in my blood” and director of football Tim Harris said he was a tremendous servant to the football club.

Long-serving Newport referee Trevor Kemp

South Wales Argus: Whistle blower Trevor Kemp is still refereeing in the Newport and District football league at the age of 83. Here he is at his home in Newport (1370236)

TREVOR Kemp has been a familiar face on the football pitches of Newport and the surrounding areas for almost 40 years.

The octogenarian referee in the Newport and District League has been keeping players in check for just under four decades officiating over the sport he loves.

Mr Kemp missed the end of the 2012/2013 season due to illness but was back in black with his cards in his pocket at the beginning of this campaign.

Stuart Nixon multiple sclerosis campaigner

South Wales Argus:

STUART Nixon, who has lived with the debilitating effects of multiple sclerosis for 30 years and has used a wheelchair for the last 15 of those, completed a 60km walk across London with the aid of a specially designed frame to celebrate the work of, and raise £60,000 for, the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

He came up with the idea to mark the MS Society’s 60th birthday and walked from from St James’s Park to the Olympic Stadium and back.

Fostering couple, Janet and Phil Sutton

South Wales Argus:

JANET and Phil Sutton have touched the lives of dozens of children in their ten years working as foster parents.

They were recognised by the Foster Care Associates (FCA) Cymru last year for their ten years’ service and have fostered for a total of 24 years, the latter ten with the FCA, and were described by FCA Cymru regional manager Victor Thomas as an “inspiration.”