IT'S that time of year again when the high-achieving, brave, courageous and talented are celebrated at the Pride of St Helens Awards.

As we seek nominations ahead of the ninth annual awards which celebrate the borough's heroes, we look back at the headline winners from years gone by.

It all started with...

2012 Pride of St Helens winner....Andy Reid

St Helens Star:

Andy pictured with wife Claire

Former soldier Andy Reid was the first ever winner of the Pride of St Helens Award in 2012.

The war veteran from Rainford, was serving in the army in Afghanistan in 2009, when he stood on an improvised explosive device, losing both his legs and his right arm.

But rather than let his injuries take over his life, he turned his attentions to his recovery and helping others.

He also won the Courage Award that year too.

2013 winner of the Pride of St Helens Award was...Willowbrook Hospice

St Helens Star:

Chief executive Neil Wright going up to collect his award back in 2013

Willowbrook Hospice holds a place of pride in many of our hearts, and in 2013 they were honoured with the headline award for the amazing care they provide to those in need.

2014 winner of the Pride of St Helens Award was....Steve Leary

St Helens Star:

Steve with Graham Wall from Solar King

Former Star editor Steve Leary was named the 2014 Pride of St Helens winner after more than four decades representing the people of his home town.

Steve boasted a 40 year career in journalism, 22 of which were spent as editor of this paper.

2015 winner of the Pride of St Helens was...Paul Wellens

St Helens Star:

Saints legend Paul Wellens

Wellens was crowned the Pride of St Helens in recognition of his achievements and devotion to his hometown in 2015.

He received a standing ovation from audience of nominees, dignitaries, guests and sponsors on receiving his award.

2016 winner of the Pride of St Helens Award was...Marie McCourt

St Helens Star:

Marie McCourt

Marie, whose daughter Helen was murdered in 1988 has endured the heartbreak of never knowing where her body lay.

Marie started her campaigning for ‘Helen’s Law’ calling for killers to remain behind bars until revealing where their victim's bodies lie.

In fact it is only this year, 2019, that Helen's Law has indeed been passed. A long awaited triumph for a mum who never gave up.

2017 winner of the Pride of St Helens Award was...The Lilac Centre

St Helens Star:

Lindsey Ditchfield, Pat Gillis and Jeanette Ribton of St Helens Hospital's Lilac Centre with the award

The Lilac Centre, which treat cancer patients at St Helens Hospital, were honoured with the award on their 25th for the immense care and support after so many years of praise from patients and families.

2018 winner of the Pride of St Helens Award was...James Roby

St Helens Star:

Saints captain James Roby was crowned the Pride of St Helens last year for his magnificent service to his hometown rugby league club.

and the 2019 winner is...? Up to you, our readers!

On Friday, November 8, the ninth annual Pride of St Helens Awards will take place and we need your help to find out who should win the 11 award categories, including The Pride of St Helens.

Who do you think it should be?

To nominate your heroes, click here