THE DORSET Hero Awards event is just hours away.

Readers and visitors to our website will be able find out tonight, June 9, just who among those they have nominated have been chosen as the winners in the awards.

Hospital workers, medical professionals and carers who have stepped up during the pandemic are among the finalists.

It will be a night when others are recognised too. They include child carers, first responders and those unsung heroes who might otherwise be in danger of being forgotten.

The star-studded event will be hosted by Simon Weston CBE and kicks off on the Dorset Echo Facebook page at 7pm.

And thanks to it being screened on social media, visitors will be able to comment and cheer on their favourites.

Here is the rundown of finalists:

Medical Heroes Category – sponsored by Hotel Miramar

Healthcare Team Award: Forest Holme Hospice, Poole; ICU Royal Bournemouth Hospital; University Hospitals Dorset Theatre Team.

Individual Healthcare Professional Award: Victoria Tweedy, Dorset County Hospital; Mandy Harris, Lewis-Manning Hospice Cares; Minnie Klepacz, UHD Bournemouth.

Medical Support Award: Lisa Chick, Diverse Abilities; Sheeja Lolamony, Fairmile Grange; Simone Burne, Forest Holme Hospice.

Emergency Heroes Category – sponsored by Goadsby

999 Heroes Award: Johnathan Clark, RNLI Poole; Michele Whitehurst, University Hospital Dorset; Andy Byers, NHS Responders.

In the Moment Award: Michelle Scott, Royal Bournemouth Hospital; Rafael Granada Rafales, Royal Bournemouth Hospital, Nancy Bastin, Cub Scouts.

The Young Hero Award: Jamie Groves, Poole; Lance Corporal Ben Hall, Bovington and Purbeck Detachment; Ethan Eccles, MYTIME Young Carers.

Everyday Hero Category – sponsored by JP Morgan

Best Key Worker Award: Kieren Haslet, Lychett Minster School; Cassie Burtenshaw, St Ann’s Hospital, Poole; Staff at Longham Community Pre-School.

Unsung Heroes: Craig Wells, Bournemouth; David Wood, Poole; Rob Franks, Poole.

Best Fundraiser: Marley Keen, Poole; Jon Weber, Poole; Gracie Tiller, Poole.

You can follow the awards evening event from 7pm on Wednesday, June 9, on the Dorset Echo Facebook Page by clicking here.