TODAY we can reveal the names of our 2018 Warrington Guardian Inspiration Awards finalists, with the winners set to be announced at The Halliwell Jones Stadium on Thursday.

And the Warrington Guardian has introduced a special new category this year - Hospital Hero - to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the NHS.

We were inundated with nominations from readers for the most hard-working and committed NHS staff and volunteers.

Our Hospital Hero Award is sponsored by Warrington Disability Trading Company, with corporate director Gavin Thompson set to present the trophy to the winner on the night.

The finalists in this category are:

1. CHESHIRE AND MERSEYSIDE BLOOD BIKES

2. FRAN CLIPPERTON

3. DR AHMED FARAG

4. MAUREEN THORNILEY & MARGOT ELLIS

Warrington Guardian:

  • Susan Crank was the proud recipient of the Charity Champion award for 2017

Those indviduals and organisations shortlisted for other Inspiration Awards are:

TEACHER OF THE YEAR, sponsored by the University of Chester

This category recognises an exceptional teacher or teaching assistant who has made an outstanding contribution to the lives of their pupils.

And with so many having already been honoured at the Warrington Guardian Schools Awards this summer, judges were especially pleased to see so many new nominations.

The finalists in this category are:

1. ALISON STOKES (St Andrew's CE Primary School)

2. JON LEATHERBARROW (Statham Primary School)

3. JOHN LEONARD (Sir Thomas Boteler High School)

CARER OF THE YEAR, sponsored by Warrington Fostering

This award honours carers that have selflessly decided to help others who, through no fault of their own, need some TLC at difficult times in their lives.

The finalists in this category are:

1. BEN ASHTON

2. WYN HIGHAM

3. KAY BRIODY

Warrington Guardian:

  • John Gartside took home last year's prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award

CONTRIBUTION TO THE COMMUNITY, sponsored by Torus

This award will be presented to an individual or organisation that has played an active and positive role in the community.

The finalists in this category are:

1. PHILIP HICKEN

2. ALAN WILLIAMS

3. SUSAN BLYTH

SPORTSPERSON/TEAM OF THE YEAR, sponsored by SJM Ltd and Neighbourhood Weekender

This award will be presented to an individual or team who have achieved success either on the sports field or in furthering sport and fitness in their community.

The finalists in this category are:

1. TARA JONES

2. NICK JONES

3. WARRINGTON WOLVES PHYSICAL DISABILITY RUGBY LEAGUE TEAM

Warrington Guardian:

  • The Inspiration Awards are always a memorable occasion with more than 170 guests attending last year's ceremony at The Halliwell Jones Stadium

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR, sponsored by Newsquest North West

This award honours those who dedicate their free time to help others.

The finalists in this category are:

1. ABBIE MCGANN

2. MARGARET NEWTON

3. LAURA HINDMARSH

CHARITY CHAMPION, sponsored by BAS North West Ltd

This award is for someone who has been committed to raising money or giving their time to a good cause.

The finalists in this category are:

1. HELEN HIGGINSON

2. BETH TRAINER

3. ALANA BRADSHAW

CHARITY OF THE YEAR, sponsored by MKM Building Supplies

This award is for a charitable organisation that exceeds in its efforts to help those less fortunate and in need of support.

The finalists in this category are:

1. THE WARRINGTON WOLVES FOUNDATION

2. THE TIM PARRY JOHNATHAN BALL FOUNDATION FOR PEACE

3. WARRINGTON LIONS

4. ROOM AT THE INN - THE Y PROJECT

5. WARRINGTON DISABILITY PARTNERSHIP - DISABILITY AWARENESS DAY

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

YOUNG CHARITY CHAMPION, sponsored by Sellafield

JUNIOR SPORTSPERSON, sponsored by Shipton & Co Jewellers

UNIQUE ACHIEVEMENT AWARD, a special award in honour of the 25th anniversary of the Warrington Bombing

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD, sponsored by Warrington Borough Council