CALLING all sporting, business, environmental and artistic leaders in St Albans - the search for the best of the best in the district is now on.

After the success of last year's inaugural Excellence Awards, the St Albans Observer has again teamed up with city solicitors Sherrards.

But this year the stakes are even higher, with nearly £2,500-worth of total prize money up for grabs in the awards, designed to celebrate excellence in the local community.

The awards will be split into four categories - business, sport, the arts and environmental excellence - and are open to businesses, voluntary organisations, schools and individuals.

In the Business Excellence award there are two categories; one for small businesses of less than £1 million annual sales turnover and one for larger businesses.

A new product launch, marketing campaign, innovation or employment scheme are all suitable subjects for entry in the business section, which is being sponsored by accountants Morton Thornton. The Holywell Hill-based accountants are offering £595-worth of accounting appraisal and profit improvement advice to the two category winners.

The Environmental Excellence award has three categories for businesses, schools and public bodies, clubs or voluntary organisations. The award, which is being sponsored by the world-renowned Gardens of Rose, in Chiswell Green, will be for initiatives that protect or enhance the environment.

In the Sporting Excellence award there will be two categories; one for individuals and one for teams.

The award is being sponsored by Sopwell House Hotel and Country Club, in Cottonmill Lane, St Albans, and is expected to be fiercely contested.

And for the first time, there will be an award for excellence in the arts, with two categories, for groups and individuals. This award is being sponsored by Barclays Bank.

In all categories, except business, winners will not only receive a £250 grant but they will also get a specially commissioned trophy designed by students from Oaklands College.

Last year's excellence awards winners included Canners and Packers International, Best Theatre Arts, St Albans Hockey club captain Andy Halliday and Crabtree Infants School.

A shortlist of entries will be drawn up and nominees will be invited to the prestigious awards ceremony at St Albans Abbey on Friday, September 22.

To enter in any of the award categories, fill in the application form below and send it to Observer Newspapers, The William Henry Building, Porters Wood, St Albans AL3 6PQ, by noon on August 21.

Sherrards and Observer

Excellence Awards 2000