THE finalists in the Stroud News & Journal Community Awards have been revealed.
The awards - in conjunction with Schreiber foods - are organised by Newsquest, publishers of the Stroud News & Journal and seek to celebrate all aspects of community life.
The finalists have been invited to a special awards ceremony hosted by Vernon Harwood, on Thursday, June 20, at the Stonehouse Court Hotel where the winners in each category will be revealed.
Stephanie Preece, Stroud News & Journal Editor said: “Once again we have been blown away by the community spirit in Stroud.
“We received many nominations in each category and congratulations to everyone who was nominated.
“Now we are looking forward to crowning the winners.”
The finalists in each category are as follows:
l Best Customer Service: Nailsworth MOT Centre Ltd, Share and Repair Stonehouse, Stroud Vision Centre Ltd
l Best Independent Business: Curious Caterpillars, Frowens Estate Agents, Paul Westley Opticians
l Contribution to the Arts: The Sub Rooms, Natural Voice Network, Stroud Short Stories 
l Best Community Project or Group: Amberley Shop & Cafe, Down to Earth Stroud, The Keepers - Wotton Area Community Hub
l Best Volunteer or Fundraiser: Andrew Blandford - Emmaus Gloucestershire, Alfie Mustoe - Allsorts, Harriet Walker - Home Start Stroud and Gloucester
l Sports Team or Club: Minchinhampton RFC, Slimbridge Cygnets, Stroud Hockey Club
l Teacher of the Year: Nichala Gallivan - Katharine Lady Berkeley's School, Annita Oakes - Park Junior School, Sarah Williams - The Shrubberies School
l Environmental Project: Bisley Community Composting Scheme, Stroud Valleys Project Ltd
l Young Person of the Year: Lilly Ingram - Sea Cadets Stroud, Kai Painter - The Door Youth Project, Nathan Sparkhall - Minchinhampton RFC
l Diversity in the Community: Cotswold Boatmobility, Craig Johnson - Stroud Pride, Jagdish Patel - Stroud Global Beats
l Care Hero of the Year: The James Hopkins Trust, Clare Davis - Longfield Community Hospice, Nicola Priest - Horsfall House
l Neighbourhood of the Year: Ashley and Lorraine Fudge, Lesley Greene, Valerie Hawkes, Stroud Cats Protection
l New Business of the Year: Gifted For You, Good Food Kitchen & Bar, Let’s Paint