SOME of the most selfless and inspiring people in Warrington will be honoured at The Halliwell Jones Stadium this week.

The Warrington Guardian Inspiration Awards salutes those who make a difference to the town and the people around them each and every day.

It is our fifth annual event and promises another night of tears, hugs and huge congratulations as we acknowledge the town’s wonderful foster carers, volunteers and charity champions.

We asked for nominations earlier in the summer and as always readers rose to the challenge, making this year’s shortlist process even more difficult for our judges.

Family, friends, colleagues and neighbours were among those who sent in entries, hoping to honour someone who has made a difference in their community.

Warrington Guardian editor Hayley Smith said: “Throughout the year we report on some incredibly inspiring stories of bravery and good deeds and this event is about giving those who go above and beyond that little bit of recognition for their efforts.

“It has been truly humbling to read some of this year’s entries and an almost impossible task to decide on a winner in some categories.

“We hope it will be another memorable evening.”

The Warrington Guardian Inspiration Awards were launched in 2013 to mark the 160th birthday of the Guardian.

Previous winners have also gone on to scoop national accolades, including Pride of Britain Awards.

A total of 10 awards will be presented this year and we can reveal who has made the shortlist in seven of those categories below.

The winners of our Young Charity Champion, Teenager of the Year and our special Lifetime Achievement Award will be revealed on the night itself.

Missed out on a ticket for this year’s Warrington Guardian Inspiration Awards?

You can follow all the action from the awards ceremony live on our website on Thursday, November 23.

And don't forget to send your good luck messages to this year’s finalists on Twitter using the hashtag #InspirationAwards2017.

Warrington Guardian:

Our 2016 Warrington Guardian Inspiration Award winners

This year's nominees are:

1. FOSTER CARER OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by Warrington Borough Council Fostering Service

Kirsty and Mark Algie

Roz and Warren Whalley

Dianne and Geoff Baker

Karen and Glyn Lowe

2. SPORTSPERSON OF THE YEAR

Brian Chambers

Elliot Dillon

Bryan Forth

3. CHARITY CHAMPION

Sponsored by Warrington Disability Partnership

Susan Crank

Andy Bretherton

Paul Heesom

4. TEACHER/TEACHING ASSISTANT OF THE YEAR 

Sponsored by the University of Chester

David Sutcliffe - Maths supply teacher at Sir Thomas Boteler CE High School

Deborah Chronakis - Teaching assistant at Woolston Community Primary School

Gail Stubbings - Teaches art in the community through Gail’s Blooming Art classes

5. VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by Disability Trading Company

Richard Sinnott 

Christine McDermott 

Ben Lloyd 

Jean Fitzpatrick

6. CHARITY OF THE YEAR

North West Forget Me Nots and Rainbows

The Survivors Assistance Network operated by the Tim Parry Johnathan

Ball Peace Foundation

The Shannon Bradshaw Trust

7. CONTRIBUTION TO THE COMMUNITY

Sponsored by Warrington Borough Council

The Buddy Up team for Warrington Youth Club

Mike Grantham

Dolly’s Haberdashery and Sewing School

Veronica Hudson

The winners of the following awards will be revealed on the night:

8. TEENAGER OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by Barrow Hall College

9. YOUNG CHARITY CHAMPION

Sponsored by Sellafield Ltd

10. LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Sponsored by Torus

FORMER Wire FM radio presenter Pete Pinnington is the host for the Warrington Guardian Inspiration Awards.

He added: “It’s a privilege and pleasure to be supporting the Warrington Guardian’s Inspiration Awards again.

“Throughout my radio and compering career I have been fortunate enough to meet so many inspirational people and I’m really looking forward to doing the same at next week’s event."