A shortlist of finalists has been unveiled for this year’s Mayor Pride Awards – an annual ceremony that honours local people and groups for their achievements and community work.

More than 50 nominations were received this year and the winners are set to be announced at a ceremony at the Alban Arena on 26 March, from 6.30pm.

The event is organised by the district council together with the Herts Advertiser.

Cllr Geoff Harrison, mayor of St Albans district council said: “I was overwhelmed to read about all the wonderful things that the nominees for these awards are doing for our community.

“It was a real privilege to learn more about the unsung heroes and a very difficult task for all the judges to decide on the final short list.”

As well as presentation of the awards, the mayor’s charity, the Living the Dream Foundation, will open the evening and the city’s gospel choir will round things off.

There will also be a talk from Parlalympic footballer, David Clarke.

Tickets are available at the end of February by reservation only. To book your seats, call the Alban Arena on 01727 844488 or visit www.alban-arena.co.uk/whats-on

The full list finalists is as follows:

Community Champion of the Year

*Annette Cooper – Annette is a trustee of the Pioneer Club

*Abdul Kadir – Abdul is chair of St Albans Racial Equality Council

* Denise Parsons – Denise works at the Trestle Theatre

*Alasdair Melville - Alasdair supports homeless charities

*Mick Tutton - Mick is a Dairy Crest milkman

Cultural Innovation of the Year

*Andrew and Simon Salter – The pair has been nomitated for the film they made to raise awareness of testicular cancer, particularly amongst young men

*Jackie Scopes, Jane Waller and Penelope Pines - Jackie, Jane and Penelope organised the St Albans Cathedral Flower Festival

*Springfield Access Group, Oaklands College – The group raised more than £7,000 for a hydrotherapy pool at the college

Community Project of the Year

*Earthworks St Albans - Gives young people with learning difficulties or mental health problems the chance to gain work experience and skills through horticulture

*Vivian and Christine Nutton - The pair were involved in the 900th anniversary celebrations at St Leonard’s Church in Sandridge

*Debbie Tyson - Special Olympics St Albans

Community Oriented Business of the Year

*Sandra Ashley - Sandra works at the Hertfordshire Practical Parenting Programme

*Sophie Banks and Angie Cronin - Sophie and Angie are behind Loudbird PR

*Melvyn Teare - Melvyn works at Computer Friendly

Young Person of Distinction Award

*Emma Cox

*James Charteris, Alex Gillingham, Rohan Mapara

Environmental Champion of the Year

*Earthworks St Albans

*Andrei Lussman – Andrei is the founder of Lussmanns Fish and Grill Restaurants

*Park Street Litter Pickers - the Pickers are a volunteer litter group

Voluntary Sector Award

* Sandra Ashley - Sandra volunteers for the Hertfordshire Practical Parenting Programme providing support to young people and their families

* Radio Verulum

* Lesley Wray - Lesley St Albans City Youth Football Club

Inclusive Communities Award

* Don Dell - Don is chairman of St Albans’ branch of the Royal British Legion

* Earthworks St Albans

* Rev Tony Hurle - Tony is from the Interfaith group

A special Mayor’s Recognition Award will be revealed on the night,