The Heart of Ulverston Awards will return on Friday, May 15, with a black-tie ceremony and gala dinner at Coronation Hall in Ulverston, where finalists, guests and supporters will gather before the winners are named.

The event is now in its third year after being relaunched in 2023 by Ulverston-based PR firm 32West, and organisers said hundreds of nominations were received from across the community for this year’s categories. The winner of each award will receive a bespoke crystal rose bowl created by Cumbria Crystal.

The shortlist was drawn up by the Heart of Ulverston Steering Group after all nominations were reviewed and discussed. Categories on the night include Helping Hand, Citizen of the Year, Community Group of the Year, Sports Volunteer of the Year, Employee of the Year and Best Hospitality Venue, alongside Business in the Community, Teacher of the Year, Outstanding Courage, Sports Performance of the Year, Apprentice of the Year and the Environment and Sustainability Award.

A Lifetime Achievement Award will also be presented to an individual who has shown exceptional commitment in any field over a sustained period. Paul Hornby said the awards are meant to bring forward and highlight the often unseen work and efforts of the people of Ulverston, along with its dedicated groups and unique, independent businesses. He said the town’s everyday commitment deserves to be recognised and celebrated.

Frank Stretton said Ulverston is “uniquely special” because of the community spirit shown day in, day out by its people and businesses. He said the awards are a chance to celebrate the individuals, organisations and companies that help make the town what it is, and he wished all finalists well for the evening on Friday. That is the point of the night: to turn local goodwill into public recognition, and to do it while the town is still living the work that earned it.