With less than a week before nominations close, the panel of judges for the Sustainable Sidmouth Champions Awards has just been announced.

“We wanted to involve key representatives of the community in the project,” said Peter Murphy, chair of Vision Group for Sidmouth. “And so the VGS got in touch with those we felt shared an interest in local issues and who have contributed over the years to the vitality of the Sid Valley.

“We thought they would be ideal members of the judging panel as they have to consider all the nominations for the Champions Awards and, ultimately, to decide who should receive the final prizes.”

The judges panel is made up of Prof Brian Golding, Cllr Chris Lockyear and Chris Woodruff.

Brian Golding is professionally involved in work with the Met Office, a warden at the Parish Church, authored the original VGS Report in 2005, and is chair of the SVA's History Group.

Chris Lockyear has a background in the energy industry, is the vice-chair of the Town Council and of its Environment Committee, is a governor of Sidmouth College, and is the chair of the programme committee of the Science Festival.

The third member of the panel, Chris Woodruff, has considerable experience in countryside management and rural development, is partnership manager of the East Devon AONB, and is active on social media promoting green and sustainability projects.

Peter said: “We are very excited to have gathered such a solid panel and look forward to working with them.”

Brian said he was ‘honoured to accept’ the invitation to be part of the panel and Chris Woodruff enthused that he was more than ‘happy to support’ the project.

Chris Lockyear said: “I would be delighted to be part of the judging panel. This is a real opportunity to acknowledge those in the community who work hard, often without recognition, in a way that has supported Sidmouth over the past difficult 18 months.”

Nominations for the Champions Awards close on 30th September.

To nominate anyone for an Award in any of the three categories go to: https://sidmouth-champions.vgsidmouth.co.uk/how-to-nominate

On Friday 22nd October, a ceremony to congratulate and celebrate the winners will be held at Kennaway House.