AFTER weeks of anticipation it is time to reveal the names to make it onto the shortlist for the first awards to recognise heroes of our community.

Launched last autumn, the Saints Awards recognise people and groups living and working within the PL22 to PL26 postcode who make St Austell and its surrounding areas special.

With 12 categories, the public were called upon to nominate who they believed worthy contenders for 11 of those categories. The 12th category, the Lifetime Achievement Award, will be decided by the Saints Awards committee.

Townsfolk answered the call, and after sifting through scores of nominations, this week the final three from each of the 11 categories can be announced.

The contenders shortlisted in the first four categories have been printed here, with the next seven to appear next week.

It is now down to the public to vote for who they want to see win an award.

The winners will receive their awards at an Oscar-style ceremony at the Eden Project on Saturday, March 10.

The glitzy soirée –where the winners will receive their trophies – is open to all.

Will Burt, White River Cinema manager, led the launch of the Saints Awards.

He said: "We have been impressed by the community's response to the Saints Awards.

"Now the chosen three from each category need the public to vote for them to be in with the chance to be crowned a saint."

Speaking about the night he added: "The evening is looking set to be a fantastic night for all."

Readers have until 5pm on Tuesday, February 7 to vote by filling in the printed voting form and returning to either the Cornish Guardian, the White River Cinema or financial advisers Tom French Associates, St Austell.

Here are the nominees for each category:

Community Leader (sponsored by Stephens Scown Solicitors) – Celebrates the contribution to the local community by an individual.

Yvonne Smith –founder of School’s Out Club, St Austell

Kim Mathews (CORR) – chair of St Austell Community Kitchen

David Behennah (CORR) – teacher and inspiration to young sports people

Sports Person (sponsored by St Austell Rugby Club) – Celebrates the achievements of a local sports person.

Hugh Noot, St Austell Rugby Player

Peter James, St Austell Boxing Club

Matt Shepherd, St Austell Ruby Club

Junior Sports Person (sponsored by Saints Gym) – Celebrates the achievements of a local sports person under the age of 16.

Millie Robinson, St Austell Boxing Club

Bethany Trevail, Athletics,

Jade Skews, England Judo team

Community Group (sponsored by Cornish Guardian) – Celebrates the contribution to the local community by an organisation.

The House Youth Project, St Austell

Street Pastors, St Austell

Cornwall Search and Rescue, St Dennis.

Eco-Warrior (sponsored by the Eden Project) – Honours an individual who cares passionately about our environment.

Anna Gibson, a mum helping other mums to live a greener lifestyle

Gary King, Cornwall Scrap Store, St Austell

Sue Bamford, regenerates old garments into new ones.

Wine & Dine (sponsored by St Austell Brewery) – Celebrates your favourite local place to eat or drink.

Sam’s on the Beach, Polkerris

Nepalese Gurkha Restaurant, St Austell

Charlie’s Coffee House, Charlestown

Community-Friendly Business (sponsored by Imerys) – Celebrates the contribution to the local community by a local business.

Steve Andrews Tyres, St Austell

Bored Skate Shack, St Austell

Lavender Pillow, Mevagissey

Arts Award (sponsored by Restormel Arts) – Celebrates an outstanding contribution to the local arts scene in writing, drama, poetry.

Anne Keast, St Austell Choral Society and St Austell Festival of Music and Speech

Lesley McCartney, member of the Troy Players

Freddie Rowe, St Austell Players

Live Music Act (sponsored by Radio St Austell Bay) – Celebrates an outstanding contribution to the local music scene.

St Austell band BackBeatSoundSystem

Lostwithiel singer/songwriter Abee Hague

Swing band Company B

Person of Courage (sponsored by WTW Cinemas) – Honours a person who shows true courage in the face of adversity.

Amputee Leanne Grose,

Cancer survivor Pauline Giles,

Cancer survivor Matt Allen

Young Person of Courage (sponsored by Tom French & Associates) – Honours a young person under 16 who shows true courage in the face of adversity.

Sophie Hibbs, cerebral palsy youngster who has battled against the odds to live the best life possible

Chloe Palmer, never gives up despite having a condition called Friedrichs Ataxia

Garvey Evans, inspiration to other young cancer sufferers after he was diagnosed last year.

Votes can also be cast via the form below.