The final countdown to a night of Sunderland's heroes

The Best of Wearside Awards will reach their grand finale at the Stadium of Light this evening, and that means a chance to reward everyone from Wearside’s top fundraiser to the volunteer of the year.

Sunderland’s student of the year will pick up a title and we’ll meet the asmazing contenders in the Child of Courage category. It promises to be moving and inspiring.

One person will win the sporting achievement category and the champions of the community group section will also be revealed, both for one deserving individual and a fantastic Sunderland group.

There will be a newly crowned local hero and many more highlights on an evening when around 300 people will watch the drama unfold.

But you can still follow our night of high emotion.

Watch out for coverage on social media including Twitter - using the hashtag #echobest - Facebook and Facebook Live. Make sure you follow coverage on the Sunderland Echo website at www.sunderlandecho.com.

And once the proceedings are over, get your Sunderland Echo tomorrow when there will be a full round-up of all the winners.

Watch out for a packed awards supplement in your Sunderland Echo on January 25.

It will be filled with interviews with all of the winners as well as many more photographs from the evening.