THE Mail is one step closer to finding the Pride of East Yorkshire.
Judges deliberated for hours over which nominees would make the final cut in the Mail's Pride awards.
Hull Daily Mail assistant editor Jamie Macaskill judged the nominations yesterday, along with Pride partners James Mooney, of Hull City AFC, Anna Miller, of KC, Mark Newby, of Prestige Recruitment, and Louise Kirby, of The Deep.
Hull Children's University director Dr John Buttrick also judged the inspiring youngster category.
Mr Macaskill said: "We were delighted with the response from readers and the nominations were all very deserving of recognition.
"We had such a wide range, from young children battling ill-health with a smile and people giving up almost all their free time for worthy causes to those putting their lives on the line for others.
"Many of the stories are truly inspiring and all the finalists are a credit to East Yorkshire.
"It was just tough to narrow each list down to a final three and then pick a winner.
"There's so much humility, too.
"These are ordinary people doing extraordinary things in our community."
Finalists have been picked from each of the eight categories: Local Hero; Good Neighbour; Child of Courage; Inspiring Youngster; Community Sports; Business In The Community; Charity Champion; Public Service and Pride of East Yorkshire.
There will also be an overall winner of the Pride of East Yorkshire Awards, taken from the eight categories and chosen by the judges.
The three finalists from each category will be notified this week, with the glittering awards ceremony to be held on Thursday, September 5, at the KC Stadium.
The finalists will receive two complementary tickets to the awards, which will feature a special guest presenter and entertainer on the night.
Nick Thompson, managing director of Hull City AFC, said: "Throughout the summer, while preparing for the return of Premier League football to the city and region, we have witnessed the pride shown in our club.
"We felt it would be appropriate to become involved with the awards to show our appreciation.
"We take as much pride in the local community, as our supporters do in Hull City.
"This is a golden way of recognising those special people, and the special things they do.
"We're looking forward to the event immensely, as we know that it will be a fantastic evening."
To find out who made the shortlist and why they deserve their place in our final, pick up the Mail next Thursday for a special 12-page supplement all about the finalists.
