The judging is complete and the suspense is mounting as preparations are finalised for the Gazette's annual Local Heroes Gala night next week when the results will be announced.

The Mayor of HiIlingdon, Councillor Brian Crowe, principal of Uxbridge College Laraine Smith and Uxbridge Gazette editor-in-chief Adrian Seal were so impressed with the tales of community work,caring, courage and fundraising, it made their task of choosing extremely difficult.

The worthy winners of the five categories in the annual Uxbridge College and Gazette run competition will be awarded trophies and money prizes at the Hayes Community Campus of the college on Thursday next week.

One thousand pounds will go to the overall Hero of Hillingdon, chosen from the five categories, and the lucky person who nominated them will receive £100.

Mr Seal said: "We all look forward to this prestigious event every year and once again the standard of nominees has been extremely high.

"We are looking forward to meeting all our heroes next week."

* See next week's Gazette for a full list of all the shortlisted finalists for the gala evening.