Last Chance to Nominate Unsung Heroes

With only weeks to go until this year's #Love South Tyneside Awards ceremony, local people are being encouraged to get their nominations in celebrating unsung heroes across the Borough.

Now in its sixth year, the awards have gone from strength to strength. Nominations showcase the amazing community spirit that exists in South Tyneside and highlight those people who help others without expecting recognition.

The closing date for nominations is Monday 1 July. Nominations are welcomed from anyone and can be for any individual, business, organisation or group which has gone above and beyond for their community. People can nominate at www.lovesouthtyneside.co.uk.

The Mayor of South Tyneside, Councillor Fay Cunningham said: "We're excited to be celebrating all those people who make lives better for others, recognising the small selfless acts they do on a day-to-day basis and helping to make South Tyneside such a fantastic place to live.

"We are extremely grateful to those who are making a real difference in our communities and the #LoveSouthTyneside Awards are all about celebrating and shining a light on those wonderful groups, businesses and individuals.

"If anyone knows of a group or someone who deserves a special 'thank you' for their amazing work, then please nominate them so we can show them how valued they are. Do it quick - before the 1 July closing date."

This year's Awards Ceremony is taking place at The Customs House in South Shields on Thursday 11 July 2024.

There are nine categories open for nominations, including the overall #LoveSouthTyneside Award, chosen by the judging panel.

The categories are:

• Supporting Others
• Environment
• Above and Beyond
• Business Supporting the Community
• Inspiring Talent
• Heart of the Community
• Team of the Year
• Uniformed Services
• #LoveSouthTyneside

Everyone nominated will receive a letter from the Mayor and a #LoveSouthTyneside pin badge to say thank you for their outstanding work within the community.

Each nominee can claim two free tickets to the Awards Ceremony. Those who nominate special people will also be able to book a ticket to attend the #LoveSouthTyneside Awards ceremony.

The Awards are being sponsored by a range of local businesses and organisations, including lead sponsor Equinor, and The Red Sky Foundation will once again donate trophies for the award winners.

Equinor is an international energy company with officers in South Shields. Equinor is committed to long-term value creation in a low-carbon future and is one of the many businesses to sign up to the South Tyneside Pledge.

Kay Doragh, Community Investment Manager at Equinor, said: "Equinor is delighted to be sponsoring the awards this year, because we know the importance of local communities.

"The #LoveSouthTyneside Awards are incredibly important to celebrate the achievements of local people that make a real difference to their communities. These are the people who know what needs to happen, and they go and make it happen, which is amazing.

"There are always stories where you're so impressed by how inventive people are, how creative people are, how resilient people are, and I think it's great to both celebrate that and be inspired by it and maybe go and do it yourself.

"We'd really like to congratulate everybody who is nominated. We're celebrating everything you're doing, and we'd like to wish everyone good luck on the night."

To find out more about Love South Tyneside visit www.lovesouthtyneside.co.uk.

Further information about Equinor is available at www.equinor.com.