The Stroud News & Journal is delighted to be launching the first ever Stroud News & Journal Community Awards.

We hope the awards will celebrate all the wonderful things that are happening across Stroud and the Five Valleys as well as shine a light on our region and its many, many success stories.

From businesses to charities and schools to pubs, these awards seek to recognise those who go the extra mile to serve our communities.

Launching the awards today, Stroud News & Journal editor Stephanie Preece said: "Many of us truly appreciate the efforts of those who work tirelessly to help or serve others and who ensure our communities thrive and remain inclusive and positive places.

"These awards will be a fantastic opportunity for people to celebrate those individuals and organisations that make our region unique and special.

"We cannot wait to read the nominations and help tell the stories of those people and groups that enrich the lives of those who live, work or visit our special corner of the world."

The awards are made up of 12 categories:

  • Business of the Year
  • New Business of the Year
  • Best Customer Service
  • Best Independent Trader of the Year
  • Best Eating Establishment or Bar of the Year
  • Best Community Project or Group
  • Best Volunteer or Fundraiser of the year
  • Sports Team or Club of the Year
  • Teacher of the Year
  • Environmental Project of the Year
  • Young person of the Year
  • Diversity in the Community Award

There will also be an award for Outstanding Commitment to Stroud selected from the other category winners and crowned overall winner of the Stroud Community Awards 2023.

Submitting your nomination takes just a few minutes - just click here and fill in the form online.

The winners will be revealed at an exclusive ceremony at Stonehouse Court Hotel on Thursday, June 22.

The closing date for nominations is Monday, April 24.

Businesses who want to sponsor the awards should email debra.orr@localiq.co.uk