Another top backer is helping us to find Wearside's heroes

A transport company is all geared up to help us find the community heroes of Wearside and County Durham.

Stagecoach North East becomes the latest sponsor to back the Best of Wearside Awards and bosses are keen to find the people who make the area tick.

Steve Walker, Managing Director, Stagecoach North East, said: “We are delighted and proud to offer our support and play a part in bringing recognition to local heroes across Wearside through the Best of Wearside Awards.

“As the sponsor of the Green Champion Award, we can acknowledge and praise the commitment and hard work which goes into making our community cleaner and greener for all to enjoy.”

The company is leading by its own examples and is doing its been to be as environmentally conscious as possible.

Steve added: “As a local transport provider across the region, Stagecoach North East is also committed to making its own business as sustainable as possible to minimise the impact of its operations on the environment.

He said: “The Best of Wearside recognises the finest that the Wearside community has to offer and I’m sure that there will be a fantastic range of entries in the competition and some very worthy winners. We wish all the nominees the very best of luck on the night.”

Our sponsors for this year are Gentoo as a partner sponsor and Stagecoach North East and Calsonic Kansei as category sponsors in the annual awards which look to reward outstanding people across Wearside and County Durham.

Don’t worry if you have yet to put your own favourites in the running for honours. You can nominate right up until Wednesday, February 28.

After that, the panel of judges will meet to draw up this year’s shortlist of contenders.

All of those who make the shortlist will be invited to the final at the Stadium of Light on Thursday, March 15, where they will find out if they have won.

To nominate, just send your name, address and telephone number, as well as your email address, if applicable.

Remember to include the category you are putting your nominated cause into.

Also send the name of the person you wish to nominate, along with their address, telephone number and email (if known).

Send all of that to Lynn Wild by no later than February 28. Email those entries to [email protected] or send them to Lynn Wild, Alexander House, Second Floor, Rainton Bridge Business Park, Houghton-le-Spring, Sunderland. DH4 5RA.