NOMINATIONS are now open for awards which celebrate champions of equality, diversity and inclusion.

The Diverse Cumbria Awards is back for its 5th anniversary this year, with The Voice UK star Holly Ellison performing at the awards ceremony on May 29.

Taking place at The Halston hotel in Carlisle, awards will be given for work in equality, diversity and inclusion.

Nominations are free and can be entered on the Diverse Cumbria website. The deadline for entries is 10pm on March 20.

“I’m so excited for this year’s awards,” said organiser Ben Vollans.

“Even with all the other events I do, this is still the highlight of my year. I still can’t believe it’s been going for five years now.

“But I’ve made this year extra special with a live performance from an amazing singer; Holly Ellison.”

There are nine awards up for grabs this year, which are: Business Champion, Diversity Event of the Year, Educational Champion, Organisation Champion, Positive Role Model, Positive Young Person, Public Sector Champion, Volunteer Champion and the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Tickets are now on sale for the awards night, with guests greeted with a free welcome drink on arrival.

Attendees will enjoy a two-course meal on the night.

Single tickets are priced at £35, a half table is charged at £175 and a full table costs £350.

The night will take start at 6.30pm and conclude at 1.30am.

Mr Vollans continued: “Nominations from the public are a big part of the awards, we can’t know everything that is going on in the county, so feedback and nominations from you, the public, are vitally important.

“So please do submit some it doesn’t take long at all.”

Organisers say tickets for this year’s event are limited.

Visit www.diversecumbria.co.uk.