Tickets are selling fast for an awards ceremony which celebrates community heroes in Thetford.
Two years ago the Thetford Awards Recognising Achievement, known as the TARAs, was started to recognise and praise members of the community, organisations and businesses who go above and beyond.
More than 200 nominations were received this year for the award’s six categories.
A judging panel made the tough decisions to whittle the nominations down to three finalists per category.
There are still tickets left for what is sure to be a feel good evening at the town’s Carnegie Room on Friday, February 2.
Mark Robinson, local councillor and businessman who started the TARAs, said: “I’m really looking forward to the night itself celebrating theses worthy groups and individuals. We’ve got some great presenters and it looks like being another fantastic night.”
The finalists are:
Business - Mark Skinner Funeral Service, the Charles Burrell Centre and Warren Services.
Young person - Sophie Aylott, Sarah Connolly and Chloe Aylott.
Sporting - Thetford Boxing club, Mick Bailey and Kirsty Turner and Jo Simpson.
Volunteer - Glynis Irish, Nadine Forde and the Thetford Community First Responders.
Community Event - Thetford Open Gardens, Thetford Parkrun volunteers and Fuzion.
Good Neighbour - Thetford and District Dementia Support Group, Norwich Road Residential Association and Mark Maloy.
On the nominations Mr Robinson added: “It has been the hardest but most rewarding task, the judging panel had the unenviable job of whittling all the nominations down to the finalists.
“Thank you to everyone who nominated making it so difficult for us.”
Three other awards - Service to the Community, Outstanding Contribution and Lifetime Achievement - will also be presented on the night.
The Thetford and Brandon Times is once again supporting the TARAs.
Reporter Rebecca Murphy said: “This will be my first TARA awards and I am looking forward to experiencing what will be a feel good night.
“Congratulations and good luck to all the finalists.”
Tickets for the black tie event, which starts at 7pm, can be bought through Eventbrite.
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