For the past two years we have run our highly successful Pride in Luton and South Beds awards celebrating all that's good about the people and the town.

And what a fantastic celebration it was. It gave the town focus on what's fantastic about living here, we celebrated many special people and groups who had gone out of their way to make their community a better place.

This year we want to spread the message even further and celebrate the personal and public successes of our readers across our papers in Luton, Dunstable, Houghton Regis and Leighton Buzzard.

We know there are many people out there in South Beds who give their time selflessly to help others and make a difference. We believe they deserve to be recognised for their work and we are calling on you to let us know just how fantastic they are.

We're looking for nominations now in 10 categories, all backed by prominent local companies and organisations, so that we can salute as many of South Beds heroes as we can.

We also have our hotly contested People's Choice award. Once all the other award categories are shortlisted, the public will have the opportunity to place their vote from these entries for this special honour from the people of South Beds. You can find out more by clicking on the categories button on the left.

You've got until May 7 to let us know who deserves to win one of our Pride awards. You can nominate someone else, you can nominate yourself - but we want you to give the judges a real headache by making a case for as many of South Beds' shining stars as you can.

Lots of people complain that newspapers only report the bad things in life. That's never been true of our papers, Herald & Post, Luton News, Dunstable Gazette, Leighton Buzzard Observer and Leighton/Linslade Citizen, and it's one reason why we continue to make Pride an important date in the area's calendar.

Last year you took up this challenge and we would like it to continue this year, as there is so much to celebrate about the area. So please tell us about the people, and the projects, who are making a difference and who deserve a pat on the back.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Lynn Hughes

Editor,
Luton and South Beds
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