A tough task for the Best of South Tyneside Awards judges - but they have drawn up their shortlist

That was the comment from the Best of South Tyneside awards judges who deliberated long and hard before choosing a shortlist for this year’s competition.

But in the end, they came up with fantastic finalists who can look forward to a night to remember at the grand finale on Thursday, June 9.

Judging of the competition was held yesterday at the Customs House in South Shields.

Panel members agreed it was a difficult process because the standard of entries was so high.

Now it’s on to the finals at the Quality Hotel on June 9.

Watch out in the coming days for a full round-up of all the shortlisted contenders in categories ranging from child of achievement to fundraiser of the year, and from community champion to sports team of the year.

The ever-popular Children of Courage category is back again and sure to be an inspiring part of the evening.

There will also be performances from our finalists in the Young Performer of the Year category, sponsored by Port of Tyne.

Follow the Gazette online and in paper for full coverage of the finale.

The Best of South Tyneside awards have a headline sponsor of Siemens and are held in association with The Customs House.

Also on board as sponsors are Port of Tyne, South Tyneside Homes, BT South Tyneside, Barbour, David Gray and Harlow Print.

The panel of judges were Dorothy Gale from Siemens, Mark Johnson from BT South Tyneside, Natalie Kidd from David Gray solicitors, Brian Scott from South Tyneside Homes, and Nicola Meldrum, Chris Cordner and Dawn Owens from Johnston Press.