Nominations open for major new Devon awards

A major new awards ceremony is to be held next month to celebrate people in Devon who go the extra mile to help others in the community or who are doing extraordinary things without getting the recognition that they deserve.

Coinciding with the Devon County Show, and being held at Westpoint on the Friday evening of show week, the Guildhall Shopping Exeter Pride of Devon Awards is organised by 107.3FM Radio Exe. Members of the public can nominate people they know who qualify for one or more of the following categories:

• Grandparent of the Year Award
• Teacher of the Year Award
• Community Contribution Award
• Carer of the Year Award
• Healthcare Professional of the Year Award
• 999 Emergency Hero Award, sponsored by the Traveller’s Rest
• Child of Achievement Award
• Entrepreneur of the Year Award, sponsored by System Six Kitchens
• Volunteer of the Year Award, in association with the Devon County Show
• Local Military Hero Award
• Best Neighbour Award
• Young Farmer of the Year Award, sponsored by Everys Solicitors
• The Guildhall Shopping Exeter Award – The person who has made Devon proud

Nominations, which should include a brief summary of why candidates should win a Guildhall Shopping Exeter Pride of Devon Award, can be submitted through the Radio Exe website, www.radioexe.co.uk or emailed to pride@radioexe.co.uk

The closing date for nominations is Thursday 2 May, following which the judges will select the people that will be honoured on the night. The judges are Andrew McNeilly, Centre Manager of Guildhall Shopping Exeter, Richard Maunder, chief executive of Devon County Show and Paul Nero, chief executive of 107.3FM Radio Exe. As well as an awards dinner Friday 17 May, a special programme will be broadcast on Radio Exe later that month. Andrew McNeilly says: “Everyone knows someone who deserves more recognition than they get. They’re unsung heroes – and we’re going to sing their praises. We’re delighted that Guildhall Shopping Exeter is the title sponsor in the Pride of Devon’s inaugural year.”