Putting Pride into Oldham

EVERYONE'S a winner . . . at last year's event

CALLING the great and the good of Oldham ­- it's YOUR time to shine with the launch of the 2016 Pride in Oldham awards.

Tonight the Chronicle launches this year's search for worthy winners and the chance to honour true community champions for their outstanding service to the borough.

Now in its 15th year, the Pride in Oldham awards feature the best and brightest community stars and unsung heroes, and gives them their much-deserved moment in the spotlight.

Since the awards began in 2002, there have been more than 100 fantastic winners walking the red carpet, while hundreds more have been honoured as deserving finalists.

The awards celebrate individuals and groups who go above and beyond the call of duty ­- from charity stalwarts and groundbreaking groups to dedicated professionals and amazing schools.

Nominees can be put forward in a range of categories ­- Voluntary, Professional, Group, Business, Health Worker, Education Worker, Schools and Special Achievement.

Closer to the glittering awards dinner, to be held at the Queen Elizabeth Hall on Friday, November 18, there will be the opportunity for readers to choose the winner of the Chronicle Readers' Choice award from across all the categories.

Promoting

And don't forget two special categories: Love Where You Live ­- which recognises those who have made a special effort under the council-inspired community project ­- and the Freeman Meacher Oldham Ambassador Award, for people who are promoting Oldham to the rest of the country and beyond. An independent judging panel will assess all the nominations and draw up a shortlist of three finalists in each category.

This year's awards could not be possible without the continued support from our fabulous local sponsors.

Molnlycke have been Pride sponsors since the initial launch and JW Lees Brewery, First Choice Homes Oldham and The Stoller Charitable Trust have given unstinting support to the awards over the years.

Sir Norman Stoller said: "Year after year the Pride in Oldham awards uncover worthy winners who are doing fantastic things across the borough. These people are the very heart and soul of Oldham."

David Whaley, managing editor of the Oldham Evening Chronicle, said: "Pride holds a special place on the Oldham calendar.

"Along with events such as the One Oldham Business Awards and the One Future Oldham Sports Awards, they all play a vital role in showcasing the many positive aspects of life in Oldham. We look forward to unearthing another splendid crop of worthy winners in the coming months and featuring their stories in the Chronicle."

To nominate someone for an award, email news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk or look out for the form, which will make its first appearance in tomorrow's Chronicle. To become a sponsor, contact Maria Whitehead at mariawhitehead@oldham-chronicle.co.uk.

The deadline for 2016 is September 30.