THE hidden gems that brighten up everyday life are being celebrated by the first “Love the North-East”

awards.

The Northern Echo has joined forces with Smooth Radio to honour local retailers and businesses.

The cafe that makes the perfect cup of coffee, the tastiest fish and chips or the best gym to burn off all those calories could get the recognition they deserve thanks to their loyal customers.

Nominations close on Friday, March 26, when the top ten in each category will be chosen.

The nominees will then receive voting packs to help them canvas their local area for support and votes to help them win their category.

This will include a petition for votes, posters and window stickers to publicise their popularity.

The top three in each category will then be invited to the awards ceremony, to be held at the Beamish Hall Hotel, County Durham, on Thursday, May 20.

The ceremony will be hosted by the station’s Smooth Breakfast presenter, Tom Davies, and will feature a special musical performance.

Peter Barron, editor of The Northern Echo, said: “There is a lot to love about the N o r t h - E a s t , but the region doesn’t always love itself enough.

“ T h e s e awards represent a great opportunity to shout about what a great part of the world this is – so please tell us why you love the North-East.”

Dave Johnson, head of presentation for Smooth Radio, said the campaign was a great opportunity for people of the North-East to support their local community and really put their favourite places on the map.

“I would urge everyone to think about those special places they visit everyday, every week or even every month, that really make a difference to them and visit smoothradio.com to nominate.

“They could end up seeing their favourite places being named the best in the North-East.”

Readers can visit smoothra dio.com and nominate a favourite place until Friday, March 26.

Categories

1 Best Bar/Pub

2 Best Restaurant

3 Best Cup of Coffee

4 Best Fish and Chip Shop

5 Best Theatre/Live Music Venue

6 Best Delicatessen/Sandwich Shop

7 Best (Family) Day Out

8 Best Shop

9 Best Place to Get Fit

10 Best Park