THE shortlist has been announced for Newsquest's Pride of Cumbria Awards 2024- aimed at recognising many of the counties unsung heroes.

The awards held in partnership with joint headline sponsors GSK and NRL have recognised many of Cumbria's most inspirational and outstanding individuals over a number of years.

Cumbria’s biggest event celebrating heroes from all walks of life was launched in February to find and honour these hidden gems in our communities, after many amazing nominations from Carlisle to Kendal and everywhere in between, the shortlist has been announced for the 2024 event.

Here are your Newsquest 2024 Pride of Cumbria finalists:

CARING FOR THE COMMUNITY AWARD - 

•    Ingrid Fox 
•    Hayley Hill, Heydays Care and Support Services
•    Ann Marie Rogan R&R Day Services 

CHARITY OF THE YEAR  - sponsored by Sellafield

•    Guide Over Sands
•    Cry for Eden
•    Duddon Inshore Rescue 

COMMUNITY BUSINESS OF THE YEAR - sponsored by Westinghouse

•    Volunteers of Kirkoswald Community Shop
•    Russ Withey, Rock With  
•    Cumbria Health Limited  

COMMUNITY GROUP OF THE YEAR - sponsored by Cumbria Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner

•    Wigton Wombles
•    Andy's Man Club
•    Twentee-total

EDUCATION HERO OF THE YEAR - sponsored by University of Cumbria

•    Petra Skodova 
•    Tony Clayton 
•    Mrs Tracey Croucher

NEIGHBOUR/LOCAL HERO OF THE YEAR- sponsored by Sellafield

•    Julie Huck
•    Rachael Edwards
•    Andrea Martin

NHS/KEYWORKER OF THE YEAR  - sponsored by NRL

•    Rachel Stables
•    Kristina Whitworth
•    Carol Newby 

SPORTS PERSON/TEAM OF THE YEAR 

•    Keswick Falcons Rugby Team 
•    Emily Trotter, Carlisle Trampolining Club
•    Megan Fearley, Penrith Puma's WRC 

YOUNG PERSON OF THE YEAR - sponsored by GSK

•    Georgia Penny 
•    Wesley Todd 
•    Frankie McMillan

Rebecca Graves, Director at NRL said: "We're honoured to continue to sponsor the Pride of Cumbria Awards. Each year it’s a celebration of the fantastic things happening across Cumbria, with such brilliant examples of community spirit."

ZSC Site Director for GSK, Phil Wilson, said: “It is fantastic that GSK Zinnat Supply Chain are once again an associate partner of the Pride of Cumbria Awards 2024. 
“These awards recognise the extraordinary achievements of people within our community, and it makes us very proud to be a part of the event."

This year’s awards will take place at The Greenhill Hotel in Wigton on Thursday, June 13 with the winners announced at the celebration ceremony. 

A more in depth look at the Pride of Cumbria finalists will be provided in a special finalists supplement available in Newsquest Cumbria titles over the coming weeks.