A staff member whose work supporting bereaved children and families is “exceptional” has been nominated for Employee of the Year sponsored by Reading Buses.

The woman behind Nood Stores and Caversham Artisan Market has been nominated for putting Reading on the Map sponsored by The Purple Turtle and Jacobs the Jewellers.

The Chinese School in Reading, led by the “inspiring” Dr Yan Liu, “has become a shining light in the town’s cultural landscape”.

Anurita Chandola, a spacewear and textiles artist with an interest in the planet Mars, has been nominated for Putting Reading on the Map, sponsored by The Purple Turtle and Jacobs the Jewellers.

Baker Nathan Lyons has been nominated for Local Hero sponsored by Green Park.

Three volunteers for early years children’s charity Dingley’s Promise, each with unique skills, have been put forward for the Volunteer/s of the Year award sponsored by AB Walker.

An “absolute hero to new mums in Reading”, Chris Duret, a “breastfeeding champion, doula and pregnancy/postpartum yoga instructor”, has been nominated for the Local Hero Award sponsored by Green Park.

An international, Reading-based food/pharmaceutical company “driving scientific excellence”, RSSL has been nominated for Putting Reading on the Map, sponsored by The Purple Turtle and Jacobs the Jewellers.

A man who literally lit up the town in a bid to raise funds for charities has been put forward for the Neighbourhood Champion award.

Berkshire Vision “makes a profound difference” to the lives of blind and visually impaired children and adults in Reading by offering practical and emotional help, adapted activities, and guidance on equipment and technology.

Owner and chef at Tutu’s Ethiopian Table in Palmer Park, Tutu Melaku has been nominated for the Hospitality Award, say nominators, for her kindhearted concern for others, her delicious food, her community involvement and her contribution to the cultural life of the town.

A “creative people’s person”, photographer Paul King has been nominated for The Chris Tarrant Award, sponsored by The Oracle.

Make Sense Theatre have been put forward for the Cultural contribution award, sponsored by M&G Real Estate, for their “extraordinary contribution to creating drama with young neurodivergent people.”

YPWD has been put forward for the Charity of the Year award for its “outstanding contribution to individuals affected by young onset dementia, offering innovative, person-centred, and risk-positive care.”

A parent who lost a partner to cancer and was left with two children has told of the priceless support they received from Daisy's Dream which helps youngsters who have lost their mum or dad.

Tomson Chauke’s nominator for the Cultural Contribution award, sponsored by M&G Real Estate, said: “A great contribution from Tomson was shown by his involvement in Limpopo Groove, a football team, refugee support group and many other activities including drumming workshops.”

A “lovely lady” running a church foodshare and coffee and craft cafe has been nominated for the Neighbourhood Champion award, sponsored by Reading Football Club.

Temporary paralysis and emergency spinal surgery put Claire Roberts on the path to running a pilates business to help others recover and feel better in their bodies.

The founder of Nemesis Martial Arts and Fitness Peter Felix provides support and essential life skills that have, on numerous occasions, helped individuals escape dangerous situations.

A midwife who “brings joy to people in the workplace” has been nominated for the Employee of the Year award, sponsored by Reading Buses.