Barbour backs Best of South Tyneside Awards

Barbour, based on the Bede Trading Estate in Jarrow, has given its support to our search for the heroes of our communities.

Chairman, Dame Margaret Barbour, told how the firm was delighted to be supporting a competition which spotlights the outstanding efforts of real heroes.

She said: “Barbour is one of the largest employers in the South Tyneside area and it is important to us to be an active part of the community and to support local initiatives.

“We have been a sponsor of the Best of South Tyneside Awards from the very beginning. The awards recognise and highlight the outstanding contribution that both individuals and groups make to their local community. It is a celebration of our unsung heroes and we are very proud to be a part of this.”

The Best of South Tyneside Awards are now under way and we want you to get involved. We want you to give the unsung heroes in your lives their moment in the spotlight.

Is there a role model, a carer, or a child who you think shows incredible courage? Perhaps you know of a rising star of the stage or a youngster who has gone that extra length to achieve their targets. Tell us about them all.

This year, we have a string of fantastic backers on board.

The Best of South Tyneside awards have a headline sponsor of Siemens and are being held in association with The Customs House, and with Port of Tyne, BT South Tyneside, Barbour, David Gray and Harlow Print as category sponsors.

The deadline for entries in the competition is May 6. After that, judges will draw up a shortlist for each of the categories listed.

And then it’s on to the grand finale at the Quality Hotel on June 9.

The finals evening will have the ever-popular Young Performer category, which is sponsored by Port of Tyne. Over the years, the category has been the launchpad for stars such as X Factor champions Joe McElderry, Little Mix’s Jade Thirlwall. and last year’s winner Eve Simpson.

So now all we need are entries.

The deadline for entries for the Young Performer competition is Monday, April 4. After that, all the Young Performer finalists will get to perform at the Customs House in South Shields on Monday, April 18.

The deadline for entries in the overall competition is May 6. After that, judges will draw up a shortlist for each of the categories listed.

And then it’s on to the grand finale, which will be held this year at the Quality Hotel on June 9.

The awards will honour unsung stars. We know there are heroes galore out there who are worthy of awards.

To nominate, send your name, address and telephone number, the name of the business or person you wish to nominate, along with their address, telephone number and email (if known).

State which category your nomination applies to (from the list of categories) and provide a description of the reasons for your nomination (no more than 300 words)

Post your nomination to: Nicola Meldrum, Alexander House, Second Floor, Rainton Bridge Business Park, Houghton-le-Spring, Sunderland. DH4 5RA.alternatively, email [email protected] or [email protected]