The 42 nominees for the Thurrock Civic Awards have been finalised.

Across nine categories, the final nominees have been selected to attend the black tie awards night on Friday 23 February at The Civic Hall in Blackshots Lane, Grays.

The awards recognise those who have made a "special contribution" to the borough. 

Among the categories included sports, volunteering and the environment.

The event will also celebrate people and groups who have made positive changes in Thurrock.

On the judging panel will also be Demus Lee, a former winner of the Mayor's award for lifetime achievement.

Rockfire Capital Limited will be this year’s main sponsor.

Tunde Ojetola, mayor of Thurrock, said: “This is a great way to celebrate our fantastic local people - congratulations to all the Civic Awards 2018 nominees and finalists.

“This is a great achievement and the number of nominations shows the vast amount of support received to help acknowledge those who may otherwise have gone unrewarded."

The host will be Orsett’s Paralympic European and World Champion, Danny Crates.

All the finalists for the 2018 Civic Awards can be found at www.thurrock.gov.uk/civic-awards/2018-award-finalists