Judges take their pick from your community champions

THEY'VE deliberated, cogitated and digested. And now the three Pride Awards judges have made their selection.

Swansea Lord Mayor Alan Lloyd, Swans captain Garry Monk and musician, broadcaster and entertainer Mal Pope were shut in the Evening Post's boardroom to decide which deserving people will be shortlisted.

Judging panel Lord Mayor Alun Lloyd, Mal Pope and Swansea City captain Garry Monk look over the Pride Awards nominations at the South Wales Evening Post. AH040310-a-001

The Evening Post Pride Awards have been started this year to honour people in our communities who go out of their way to help others and get little or no recognition for their efforts.

The paper was inundated with nominations — sometimes dozens for one person.

All in all the judges faced a tough job.

"It was very difficult," said Mr Monk. "All the people who were nominated deserved to win."

Only three finalists in each category will be invited, with their guests, to the awards dinner on Friday, April 16, at the Brangwyn Hall.

It will be there, of course, that the winners will be announced.

"It's going to be wonderful to be there," added Mr Pope. "It's going to be an excellent night.

"These awards are for the local people, not just in Swansea, but neath Port Talbot and Carmarthenshire as well, and it is great that they're finally getting some recognition."

Names of the shortlisted finalists will be revealed publicly once they have been informed.

Tickets are on sale for the event, and are already attracting a lot of takers for the awards ceremony at the Brangwyn Hall.

They cost £45, and for that each guest will receive a three-course meal, entertainment from Fat Barry's Soul Band plus the awards ceremony itself.

To book tickets, contact the Evening Post on 01792 510000.

emma.judd@swwmedia.co.uk