Here we unveils this year's categories and speak to some of last year's recipients to find out what it means to win.

The Hollywood writers' strike may have doomed the Golden Globes and thrown the Oscars into doubt, but we have our own glittering awards ceremony to think about.

And the Pride of South Tyneside Awards, now in their sixth year, aren't about celebrities.

They're about the ordinary people who do extraordinary things in the borough, from caring for friends and family to improving their communities and environment.

These often unsung heroes could be in the running to pick up their own award in a glamorous bash at the Customs House.

All you have to do is nominate someone you know who deserves a bit of recognition for the things they do.

More than 50 Pride of South Tyneside awards already take pride of place in people's homes across the borough.

Launched in 2002, the awards have recognised courage, hard work and commitment, friendship, selflessness and dedication.

Lynne McAlpine, 18, from Lincoln Road, South Shields, was last year's Young Achiever winner.

She said at the time that it was proof she had turned her life around, having been a disruptive pupil at school.

She was referred to The Cave youth project and came on leaps and bounds.
She's now at college, working part-time and hoping to enrol on a youth worker's course in September.

"I was crying my eyes out when I won," she said. "It was genuine shock.

"I've got the award on my mantelpiece and my mam still watches the DVD of the ceremony! It's definitely been an incentive to keep up the good work."

Claire Turnbull, 29, from Gowan Court, Jarrow, was one of people to walk away with the Carer of the Year award last year.

She gave up work at the age of 23 to become a full-time carer for her mum, Lesley, after she had a stroke at the age of 46.

Claire said the award "meant everything" to her, adding: "I wouldn't have it any other way with my mum, but it is difficult, and it's nice to let carers know they are not forgotten.

"It was a lovely night out for me and my mum, just getting spoilt, having a nice buffet and someone to fetch our drinks.

"It made my mum feel really special and that was enough for me. She was so proud."

South Tyneside Arts Studio, based in South Shields, won Community Group of the Year last year.

Studio manager Paul Mulvihill said: "It has helped a lot with the fundraising, because we can now say we are recognised in the work we are doing, and it has helped to raise our profile.