ARE you Proud of Barnsley? Then now is your chance to show it.

The Chronicle is launching the Proud of Barnsley awards 2015 in Friday's paper, giving you the chance to nominate the town's unsung heroes.

There are 13 categories ranging from Hospital Hero to Sporting Achievement, New Business Start Up to School of the Year.

Last year saw a host of worthy nominations and winners and almost 300 people attended the glitzy ceremony at the Holiday Inn in Dodworth in November.

Young florist Stephanie Tue won the Business Start-Up award - she had opened two florists and won an award at the Chelsea Flower Show - all by the age of 20 - and Keith Binney, who has been involved in athletics for more than 40 years, was named Volunteer of the Year.

These are just some of the worthy winners from last year.

This year's ceremony will be hosted by former Look North presenter Christa Ackroyd and radio DJ Stephanie Hirst. Christa presented Look North for 12 years alongside Harry Gration.

She said: "It's quite difficult to put into words the strength and commitment of the people of Barnsley. I've always recognised Barnsley as one of the most heart and soul places that look after its own and has a sense of pride.

"When you saw story after story of the incredible achievement, often against the odds, you realise that every single one of these stories could win a national award. "It was moving, but not sad. It was inspirational and it made me think a lot and made me proud.

"Last year's stories were incredible, and I want to make the event this year even more heart-warming. But I can only do that if people come forward and tell us of people they know and admire. I know it's going to be fantastic."

Proud of Barnsley was launched by the Chronicle and Barnsley Central MP Dan Jarvis three years ago to inspire all generations to contribute to the good of the town and its people.

There are 13 categories: Hospital Hero, Children's Champion, Young Superstar, Community Hero, Sporting Achievement, Start-Up Of The Year, Community Group, School of the Year, Triumph Over Adversity, Exceptional Achievement, Carer of the Year, Charity Fundraiser and Volunteer of the Year.

None of last year's nominees, finalists or winners see what they do as worthy of winning an award and don't consider what they do to be anything out of the ordinary. Those who nominated them disagreed.

If you think you know someone who fits the bill and goes that extra mile, then nominate them by filling in the form at the back of our special launch supplement in this week's paper.

Please ask the person/group for permission to nominate them for an award before putting them forward for the award.