BBC Radio Stoke awards to honour local heroes

This year's awards will be hosted by Jodie Looker and Lee Blakeman

Local heroes from Staffordshire and Cheshire are set to be celebrated at a special awards evening later this week.

A total of 32 finalists across eight categories have been shortlisted in BBC Radio Stoke's Make a Difference Awards 2025, with winners set to be announced during a ceremony at the Bet365 Stadium on Thursday evening.

The panel of judges for this year's awards include Olympic gold medallist Bryony Page and former Blue Peter presenter Anthea Turner, as well as a host of actors and TV stars.

This is the full list of the nominees:

Volunteer award

• Michelle Craggs

• Nathan Rimmer and Becky Freeman

• Hixon Millenium Green Trust

• Ann Moorhouse

Judged by potter and ceramic designer Keith Brymer Jones

Young hero award

• Jos Cooper

• Caleb Palak

• Jamie White

• Jacob Moody

Judged by Olympic long jumper Jazmin Sawyers

Great neighbour award

• Paul Boston

• Duncan Alderdice

• Liam Walker

• George Lowe

Judged by actor and tv presenter Nick Hancock

Active award

• Blaze Trails

• Barry Gilmore – Deaf Football

• Andrew Stone

• Gnosall Globetrotters Running Club

Judged by Olympic trampoline gymnast Bryony Page

Animal award

• Footprints Animal Sanctuary

• Faith Windsor and Ember

• Baddeley Green Hedgehog Rescue

• Audrey the Guide Dog

Judged by tv presenter Anthea Turner

Green award

• Busy Bugs Nursery

• Sharon Ridge

• One Project Macclesfield

• Trees for Congleton

Judged by explorer and author Levison Wood

Fundraiser award

• Stan and Elizabeth Winterton

• Glen Baddeley

• Kevin Griffiths

• Haughton Christmas Lights

Judged by playwright and actor Deborah McAndrew

Community group award

supported by Morning Live

• Step Up Stoke

• The West End Centre

• Zoe Robson

• Ruff & Ruby

Judged by singer Kimberley Walsh