AS far as anniversaries go, it is definitely one worthy of celebration.

This year will mark the fifth Heart of Ulverston Awards – and entries are open from today.

Five years of marriage may well be marked with a tradition wood gift, but the recipients of this year's awards will, in keeping with previous years, be presented with a beautiful crystal trophy.

The event has become one of the most hotly anticipated in the town's calendar.

It sees the unsung heroes of Ulverston rewarded and celebrated for all that they do.

The Coronation Hall will be the venue for the awards ceremony, with the invite-only event set to be held on October 20.

Compere and local estate agent Ralph Spours will again welcome the select audience as food is served ahead of the main event. <!--[if lte IE 8]> <div style="width: 100%; background: red; border: 1px black; padding-top: 10px; padding-bottom: 10px; color: #fff; text-align: center; font-weight: bold; font-size: 18px"> Sorry, you are using an unsupported browser. This page will not display correctly. <br /> <a href="http://www.whatbrowser.org" style="color: #fff;" target="_blank"> Please click here to upgrade to a newer browser. </a> </div> <![endif]--> <script src="https://embed-367413.secondstreetapp.com/Scripts/dist/embed.js" data-ss-embed="promotion" data-opguid="437063b1-e2dd-4710-bf66-1937fd8285ce" data-routing="hash">/**/</script>

This year there are 10 categories, all supported by local businesses and organisations. GSK, which has a major base in Ulverston is the headline sponsor for the event. It is the fifth year it has shown its commitment to the town by making the event possible.

Pat McIver, Biopharm Lead at GSK and a member of the Heart of Ulverston steering group, said: "This it the fifth year that GSK has been a headline sponsor of the Heart of Ulverston Awards and we're delighted to be involved once again.

"GSK prides itself on being a part of the community and playing a part in such a worthwhile event is very important to us.

"Much has changed at our site over the last few years, but one thing has remained a constant, and that's our commitment to this town, its people and its economy.

"I very much look forward to learning about the individuals, groups and charities nominated for this year's awards and to meeting the finalists on the big night."

The categories this year are:

- Teacher of the Year, sponsored by GSK

- Community Group or Project of the Year, sponsored by Cumbria's police and crime commissioner

- Sports Volunteer of the Year, sponsored by PV Dobson

- Young Sports Performance of the Year, sponsored by RFM Accountants

- The Helping Hand Award, sponsored by St Mary's Hospice

- Employee of the Year award, sponsored by Bender UK

- Environmental Volunteer of the Year, sponsored by Mercedes Benz of South Lakes

- The Courage Award, sponsored by Ralph Spours Estate Agency

- Citizen of the Year, sponsored by Miller Waite

- Young Citizen of the Year, sponsored by Cumbria Teaching Agency

- Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by Ulverston Town Council

Evening Mail editor James Higgins, who will open the evening, said: “Every year, as I welcome people to the Heart of Ulverston Awards, it strikes me that the town is filled with such wonderful people.

"To be a part of something which is so positive and which recognises the good in society is a huge privilege.

"There's an extra element to this year's event with it being the fifth anniversary, so we are pulling out all the stops to make sure it is the best ever.

"We do need people to nominate those worthy of an award, though. Please don’t think you’ll get round to it in a few days. Turn to page 6 and fill in the form today – or visit the Evening Mail’s website and nominate someone online.”

Mr Spours, who will lead proceedings for the fifth year, said he was delighted to be involved once again.

He added: “It is always very heartwarming to hear about the achievements, hard work and commitment of Ulverstonians and extremely humbling to be involved on the night.

“I’m once again sponsoring The Courage Award category and it is a huge privilege to do so. The way people are able to triumph over adversity is truly inspiring.”

The evening will start with a champagne reception for finalists and their special guests and will be followed by a sit-down meal.

Finalists will be announced in October.