Bigger and Better Than Ever – The Community Awards Return with Pictons Solicitors as Headline Sponsor

The Community Awards returns for a fourth sensational year and promises to be bigger and better than ever. With leading local law firm Pictons returning for the third year running as the headline sponsor of this great local event, The Community Awards are launching the search for Luton’s local unsung heroes.

Everyone in the Luton community is encouraged to nominate the people and projects which deserve that special recognition. There are fourteen awards in all ranging from Exceptional Achievement, Role Model of the Year, a local Young Hero, Charity Champions, Community Projects and much more.

The fifteen judges will have a very tough task. Sukh Saini, Pictons Managing Partner says “We always sponsor one of the individual awards where the winner is chosen by the judges but then as headline sponsors we have to decide on who is the Winner of Winners. Every year this just gets harder because you feel that everyone who is nominated for a Community Award deserves to win. They are really the best of the best just by being nominated.

“It is incredible how much fantastic work is being done by individuals, whether that’s something that goes way beyond the call of duty, or simply because they are warm, caring and generous individuals who make life better for the people in the town. The Community Awards are something to be cherished and that’s why as a company we’re delighted to be headline sponsors for the third year running. It’s a very exciting process and I really encourage people to get nominating their local heroes now.”

Luton and Central Bedfordshire residents are being asked to nominate individuals, community groups and businesses who they think deserve a big public “thank you” for their commitment or service that goes beyond the call of duty. The Community Awards nominations will close on Monday 2nd September 2013.

Every year the Community Awards gives a generous donation to two charities. This year Keech Hospice Care and the Children’s Ward at the Luton & Dunstable Hospital will be the recipients. Community Magazine proprietor and Community Awards founder Mostaque Koyes says: “Last year we raised £10,000 for Keech Hospice and the same amount for a community project in Malawi which involved students from Luton’s Sixth Form College. I hope we can raise even more this year as local people and local companies are so generous. “

This year the Media Sponsors are the Herald and Post, Luton News, Diverse FM, Inspire FM & E- touch Media. The prizes will be awarded at a glamorous event on Thursday 24th October at Venue Central and will be attended by 600 people.

Get nominating now for people or projects who you think deserve to win an award in any of the following categories: Concern Award / Improving Lives; Young Hero; Exceptional Achievement; Charity Champion; Service With A Smile; Community Business Of The Year; Community Arts; Role Model of the Year; Our Luton; Best Neighbour; Lifetime Achievement; Carer of the Year; Volunteer of the Year, Teacher of the Year; the Mayor’s Award

The independent judging panel includes both Luton MPs Gavin Shuker and Kelvin Hopkins, leader of Luton Council Hazel Simmons, Bill Rammel, Vice Chancellor of the University of Bedfordshire; Lynne Hammond, independent Community judge; Gurch Randhawa, Professor of the University of Bedfordshire; Lynne Hughes, Editor Luton News and the Herald & Post; Robin Porter Corporate Director for Commercial and Transformation Services; Helen Barnett Chief Executive of Active Luton; Barry Mayes Head of Communications at L&D Hospital David Boyle, Superintendent, Bedfordshire Police ;Maggie Appleton MBE- Chief Executive of Luton Culture; Dave Fothergill, Bedfordshire and Luton Fire and Rescue Service; Carol Hill Chief Officer, Luton CCG; Louise Ross Digital Marketing & Communications Executive at London Luton Airport.

For more details, to nominate your local hero or to donate to Keech Hospice log on to www.communitycommunication.co.uk or pick up a nomination form at any Luton community centre or the local library. The Community Awards Ceremony will take place on in Venue Central 2 on Leagrave Road.

Tickets for the event will go on sale on Monday September 2nd