WORTHY winners of the title of The Pride of Swindon are being sought for next year’s awards.

Mayor of Swindon Eric Shaw officially launched the Pride of Swindon Awards calling on residents across the town to shine a light on those individuals and groups who have gone above and beyond the call of duty for the good of their community and the wider town.

Now, one of 2016’s Pride of Swindon Award winners has echoed his calls, and urged people in the town to get their thinking caps on to celebrate the borough’s unsung heroes.

Josie Williams received a number of nominations for the 2016 awards from impressed residents in the town for her efforts to make performing arts accessible to all. Known to many as the Community Arts Development Officer at Commonweal School where she is key in nurturing the next generation of stage performers and musicians, she is also well known for being behind the Little Big Festival as well as being the chairman of the Old Town Festival.

True to fashion, her first reaction was to say that there were more deserving people in the town. But she praised the team who had worked with her on the Old Town Festival and said she was very proud of the opportunities that the Little Big Festival afforded to young people wanting to give performing arts a try.

She said: “I was honoured to receive such a prestigious award in recognition of my work in the community, it is really was quite a lovely surprise.

“I would recommend others to nominate people they know who go beyond the call of duty. Many people just do their work for the love of others. To make people feel special and valued is very important as even the most giving of us need a bit of love and appreciation for all our endeavours.”

All nominations for the 2017 awards will be considered by a panel of judges before those who are shortlisted will be invited to attend a glittering presentation event at STEAM on March 16 where they will be honoured with a special badge and certificate. They will also find their names honoured on a plaque in the Central Library which will be unveiled later in the year.

To nominate someone for a Pride award visit www.swindon.gov.uk/prideofswindon where you will find a nomination form. The closing date for entries is Friday, January 27 at noon.