When Luton hits the national headlines, it’s not usually for reasons that make our chests swell with pride.

But the Herald & Post has always flown the flag for the town, because we know how much there is to celebrate here - achievements which don’t deserve to be over-shadowed by the ‘bad news’ that too often sticks to the town, even when it isn’t true.

And we’ve decided not to wait until someone else drags our name through the mud before shining a light on Luton’s silver linings.

Thaat’s why we’ve got together with the Luton Forum – the strategic body which links all the key public, business, voluntary and community sector organisations in the town – to launch Pride In Luton.

The awards will be held for the first time this year but we’re sure this inaugural event will be the start of something big.

Pride In Luton will help give the town focus on what’s fantastic about living here, by celebrating the special people and groups who go out of their way to make their community a better place.

There are 10 categories, all backed by prominent local companies and organisations, so that we can salute as many of Luton’s heroes as we can.
You can find out more about the categories in the panel on the right.

We’re looking for nominations now in 10 categories, and you’ve got until Thursday, March 13 to let us know who deserves to win one of the first Pride In Luton 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 Luton’s shining stars as you can.

Lots of people complain that newspapers only report the bad things in life. That's never been true of the Herald & Post, and it's one reason why we're keen to make Pride an important date in the town's calendar this year and every year.

But that will only happen if the town decides to take up the Pride challenge. There's so much to celebrate about Luton - so tell us about the people, and the projects, who are making a difference and who deserve a pat on the back.

The deadline for all entries is Thursday 13th March. I look forward to hearing from you.