INSURANCE providers Jelf and Ageas, sponsors of the 2017 Local Business Charity Awards, have announced this year’s finalists.

The awards, founded by Jelf in 2014, recognise the generous support given specifically by Gloucestershire businesses to the county’s local charities.

Judges for this year’s awards include Dr Diane Savory OBE, chair of GFirst LEP, and Dame Janet Trotter DBE, Lord Lieutenant of Gloucestershire.

Phil Barton, CEO of Jelf and Bluefin, founder of the awards, said: “Another year, another flood of heart-warming stories for my fellow judges and I to read, describing the selfless work done by companies and individuals across Gloucestershire to support our local charities.

“As ever the commitment, generosity and, at times, sheer physical hard graft we have read about, has been incredible and I offer my congratulations to them all, especially to our finalists we are naming today.”

Cathy Taylor, Ageas head of commercial underwriting and operations, said: “It has been both a privilege and a delight to co-sponsor these wonderful awards.

“Having the opportunity to acknowledge both individuals and organisations that work so hard to help and support these charities, has been a pleasure.”

This year’s finalists include Skylight9, which supports The Hollie Gazzard Trust.

The winners will be announced at a ceremony to be held at the National Star College on September 7.

Visit localbusinesscharityawards.co.uk for the full list of finalists.