THE great and the good in Swindon will be out in force later this month when they are honoured at a special awards ceremony.

The Pride of Swindon 2012 awards will be presented on Thursday, March 22.

Judges were delighted this year to receive more than 100 nominations.

These included volunteers who have given their time selflessly for years, children or adults who have displayed remarkable courage, people who have helped reduce crime in their areas, and special neighbours or sports teams who are excelling in their fields.

Tony Martin, a volunteer development manager for Zurich Community Trust, is one of the judges this year.

He said: “2012 is the fourth year of the Pride of Swindon Awards and the judges’ task just gets harder and harder.

“Not only did we receive a record number of nominations, the quality was astounding and our shortlist of potential winners was far too long.

“The judges had to be very harsh in trimming our shortlist into those individuals and teams who will be honoured as winners of an award at STEAM on March 22.

“I am in no doubt that those invited to attend the afternoon will experience something very special.”

Among those nominated are John and Tracey Lambert from Swindon Rockets Power-chair Football Team, Esprit Gymnastics Club, Anthony Moglione from Intel, motor neurone sufferer Paul Wilkinson and nine-year-old fundraiser Melissa Butler, who has scaled Snowdon, Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis while raising money for Prospect Hospice and SMASH Youth Project.

Last year, a total of 24 people had an award presented to them. In July, a plaque with all the recipients’ names was put on display in the Central Library.

The awards are supported by companies including the Adver, McDonalds, Swindon 105.5, Nationwide and Voluntary Action Swindon.