Our pride in Pride

CELEBRATION time for our 2011 winners. Who will take their place this evening?

THE Pride in Oldham Awards — which take place tonight at the Queen Elizabeth Hall — were launched by the Oldham Evening Chronicle in 2002 to pay tribute to those who go the extra mile for the borough and its people.

Over the years hundreds of worthy nominees have received certificates thanking them for their efforts.

Many individuals and groups have been invited to the awards ceremony as finalists – and scores of them have walked away with a coveted Pride in Oldham trophy.

And the 2012 awards are no different.

There have been high-quality nominations in all categories: the independent judges had a difficult job choosing the finalists and winners.

The impressive line-up of finalists is testament to the depth of great deeds and work that goes on in the borough.

Apart from the eight category winners chosen by the panel, we also have, as usual, the Readers’ Choice award, decided entirely by the votes of Oldham Evening Chronicle readers.

At this year’s presentation evening we also have two new categories – ‘Love Where You Live’ and the ‘Oldham Ambassador’ award.

The Oldham Chronicle salutes all those nominated, especially those who have made it to tonight’s awards ceremony.

And we also thank the organisations that have added their financial backing to make tonight possible.

You have all helped put Pride in Oldham.