THE University of Bolton is the latest organisation to support The Bolton News Lockdown Heroes awards.

The university will sponsor the Emergency Services of the Year category at the event.

A virtual ceremony will take place at the end of March hosted by TV medic Dr Hilary Jones. It will hail NHS staff, shop workers, volunteers and young people a year after the pandemic began.

The awards will also recognise everyday heroes and our emergency services, as well as those working in business, education and hospitality.

Prof George E Holmes, university vice chancellor, said: “The past year has been unlike any other in living memory and has been extremely difficult for so many people. The thing that sticks with me is the incredible work done by people from all walks of life to care for others.

“People have worked incredibly hard to keep shops and businesses open and let’s not forget the many hours put in to ensure education continues to be delivered both in the classroom and online.

“The university is embedded in the local community. Many of our 700 nursing students have been working on the frontline in local hospitals during the pandemic.

“Many other students are Bolton residents who have managed to continue their education despite having their lives disrupted.”

He added: “Our staff have worked around the clock for 12 months to ensure the best possible experience for students, within whatever Government restrictions are in place, and in between national lockdowns we have managed to offer face-to-face learning to all our students on a Covid-secure campus.

“We are proud to sponsor the emergency services category – the work that they do is absolutely essential.”

Editor of The Bolton News Steve Thompson said: “I would like to say a big thank you to the University of Bolton for supporting the awards – it has led the way and shown how innovation and hard work can put students first even in the most challenging times.”

To enter the awards or to nominate someone, e-mail lockdownheroes@newsquest.co.uk with no more than 300 words explaining why the person/business should be considered for the award. Make sure to say which category the nomination is for.