Guernsey Make a Difference finalists announced

Animal lover Geoff George was nominated for his work rescuing and rehabilitating seal pups

Five islanders have been announced as finalists in the BBC Guernsey Make a Difference Awards.

The finalists are seal pup rescuer Geoff George, skatepark volunteer Tim Gaudion, St Peter Port Christmas lights organiser Jax Robin and Autism and Me Guernsey founders Lorna Higgins-Bare and Antonia Rainbow.

The awards aim to celebrate people who have made a positive difference in their community.

Jayne Ozanne, from the judging panel, said: "There were such strong entries, it's been really moving reading all about these hidden heroes."

Fellow judge Mark Mapp, the chief executive of Guernsey's ambulance service, said picking the finalists was "very difficult, but made easier by having a group of very nice people to discuss".

Mr George rescues and rehabilitates seal pups for the Guernsey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (GSPCA).

He also drives the charity's ambulance.

"Ever since I was a kid I was always interested in animals and animal welfare, but especially seals and sea life," he said.

Steve Byrne, GSPCA manager, said Mr George once went 1,300 days without a full day off.

"We are so proud of him and all that he does for the community and all of the animals in our care," he said.

Tim Gaudion gives up his time to give free skateboarding lessons to youngsters

Mr Gaudion volunteers his time at the Beau Sejour skatepark giving free lessons to youngsters.

"It's really rewarding seeing how pleased the kids are and how pleased they are when they learn a new trick," he said.

Support group Autism and Me Guernsey has grown to more than 450 people

Ms Higgins-Bare and Mrs Rainbow set up support group Autism and Me Guernsey after their own children were diagnosed with the condition.

Mrs Rainbow said the group started out as a "place to look at doing [inclusive] events" but soon become "much more than that".

The group snowballed into a community of more than 450 people, providing much-needed support for parents especially during holidays, she said.

Jax Robin has organised St Peter Port's Christmas lights for the past eight years

Mrs Robin was nominated for organising St Peter Port's Christmas lights for the past eight years.

She said she enjoyed the "smile on everyone's face when the lights get switched on" and "hearing the excited voices of the children".

Wayne Bulpitt, from the Association of Guernsey Charities, said the community champion "stepped up when the future of the St Peter Port lights was uncertain".

The winner of the BBC Guernsey Make a Difference Awards will be announced on Friday 13 September.