THE winners of The Bolton News Lockdown Heroes awards will be unveiled at a special online event hosted by popular TV medic Dr Hilary Jones.

More than 30 finalists are waiting with anticipation to hear if they have won their category in the awards, which have been organised to honour those community heroes who have gone above and beyond since the beginning of the pandemic a year ago.

The virtual ceremony will take place on Wednesday March 31, at 7pm, presented by Dr Jones.

You can click on the link below now to view the countdown to the awards ­— and return to that link on the night itself to watch live.

WATCH LIVE > The Bolton News Lockdown Heroes 2021

It will hail NHS staff, shop workers, volunteers and young people a year after the pandemic began.

The awards, which has 12 categories, will also recognise the everyday heroes and our emergency services, as well as those working in business, education and hospitality who have stepped up during the coronavirus pandemic.

Each category winner will receive a unique handcrafted trophy, machined from solid oak, designed and manufactured by Bolton business Handrail Creations.

To view the full list of finalists click on the link below.

FINALISTS REVEALED: The Bolton News Lockdown Heroes 2021

Managing Director of Handrail Creations, Kenny Macfarlane, said: “We said we wanted to create something that is special - we are very pleased with them.

“We didn’t want to create something boring and flat, so our design team came up with something much different than the usual trophy you see at awards ceremonies.

“I am a big fan of the whole concept of the Lockdown Heroes Awards. To give back to those who would otherwise have not been recognised and honour their contribution to the Bolton community is fantastic.”

WATCH LIVE > The Bolton News Lockdown Heroes 2021

Dr Hilary said: “The awards promise to be a great night and I can’t wait to hear more about the inspiring people of Bolton who have shown such bravery, compassion and leadership in the last 12 months.”

Editor of The Bolton News, Steve Thompson, said: "There isn’t long to go now until those who have worked so hard and cared so deeply throughout the past 12 months are rightly recognised.

“Everyone who entered is hero - the stories of compassion and dedication have been amazing and I know that the judges had the toughest time choosing finalists, never mind winners, of each category.

“I would once again like to say a big thank you to all our sponsors, especially headline sponsors Bolton Council, for supporting the awards. The event would not have been possible without them.”

To watch the awards live on the evening of Wednesday, March 31, at 7pm, click here.