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Do you know any heroes llike Jade?

Jenny Kirby
29/ 8/2007

FOR the first time ever the Macclesfield Express is backing a prize at this year's Local Hero Awards, hosted by Silk FM.

We have teamed up with the town's favourite radio station to find the Champion Child for 2007, nominated by you, our readers.

The Macclesfield Express Champion Child Award is looking for under 14s who have made a significant contribution to the community in East Cheshire.

So if that sounds like someone you know, who deserves recognition, please fill in and return the nomination form as soon as possible.

In a change of venue, this year's glittering ceremony will take place at Shrigley Hall in Pott Shrigley on Thursday, September 20.

And the deserving winners will get a fabulous trophy to take home and keep. Now in its ninth year, the annual Silk FM Local Hero Awards are one of the highlights on East Cheshire's social calendar, attended by many local dignitaries.

The radio station has staged the prestigious ceremony for as long as they have been on air.

And for 2007, they have a record ten categories covering everyone from Neighbour to Emergency Worker and everything from Sporting Inspiration to Project of the Year.

The gala ceremony will be held in the plush Tilden Suite at Shrigley Hall. Finalists will be treated to live entertainment, including a dance group and Margaret Ferguson - an African soprano, accompanied by pianist Jonathan Ellis - on arrival.

There will be other acts throughout the evening. The heroic contenders will then enjoy a swish three course meal, and of course, the awards presentation.

Silk FM's Programme Controller, Andy Bailey, and host for the evening, said: "It's always a brilliant night with 100 of our true local stars gathered in one place. Really it's all about celebrating the hard work and achievements of these people, who are quite often the real backbone of our communities."

And don't forget this year, the special Champion Child Award, nominated by Macclesfield Express readers.

Editor David Lafferty said: "We are delighted to be involved with the Local Hero Awards which celebrate the true champions of our community. There are so many youngsters in the town who do a lot for the community and it is great to recognise that."

Stay tuned to Silk FM for more information and check out the website www.silkfm.com for category details.

Among the winners last year was courageous Jade Prest, of Gawsworth, who worked to raise awareness of bullying.

She was named Young Person 2006 at the Local Hero Awards for East Cheshire, held at Mereview restaurant at Alderley Park's AstraZeneca.