BOXER Martin Murray, charity Willowbrook Hospice, comedian Johnny Vegas, and three teenagers who rescued two men from a burning flat, are among some of those shortlisted for the Solar King Pride of St Helens Awards 2013.

A panel of judges spent several hours poring over nominations for the 13 categories in this year’s awards, which aim to recognise outstanding talent, brilliance, heroism and endeavour.

The St Helens Star and the Steve Prescott Foundation have again teamed up for the black tie event, which will be held at Saints’ Langtree Park, on Friday, November 1.

Shortlisted for the flagship Pride of St Helens award – which was won last year by triple amputee soldier Andy Reid – are boxer Martin Murray, the charity Willowbrook Hospice and businessman Tony Richards.

Murray, last year’s sportsperson of the year, was shortlisted following his titanic efforts in a controversial defeat to world champion Sergio Martinez in Argentina.

Deeply admired charity Willowbrook has been put forward for its crucial role supporting terminally ill patients and their families across St Helens.

And ‘social entrepreneur’ Mr Richards, who conceived and achieved the Millennium Centre, is being championed for his voluntary sector work.

Others nominated across a host of categories – that include the arts, business, courage, and education, community – are Vegas, the comedian who has recreated himself as a gifted radio and television director and writer.

But he faces competition from community arts organisation Watch this Space and young tenor Tom Loughlin.

Darter Ste Bunting, racing driver Chris Middlehurst and England under 20s football captain Conor Coady are vying for the sportsperson of the year prize.

Teenagers Callum Chadwick, Josh Jump and Ethan Chisnall, the three teenagers who saved the lives of two men during a house fire in Blackbrook, have been nominated in two categories.

Star deputy editor Andrew Kilmurray said: “Once again there were truly exceptional nominations and I know the judges faced some tremendously difficult selections.

“We look forward to sharing all their stories in the Star in the build up to the event ahead of the winners being revealed on the night.”

Martin Blondel, secretary of the Steve Prescott Foundation, said: “We think there’s the right blend of community heroes, high achievers and people who have shown incredible courage.”

And the nominees are:

  • Solar King Pride of St Helens Award: Tony Richards, Willowbrook Hospice, Martin Murray
  • ODs Community Hero: Ernest Stockley, Jill Hall, Graham Fenney
  • ODs Young Community Star: Callum Chadwick, Josh Jump, Ethan Chisnall; Beth Cammack, Paisley Kerswell
  • Helen French and Colourbox Mentor of the Year Award: Nominees to be announced at a later date.
  • St Helens College Outstanding Academic Achievement: Luke Schofield, Megan Crosby, Elizabeth Butler
  • St Helens Chamber Excellence in Business: Stephen Palfrey, GPW Recruitment, Tyrers
  • Saints Courage Award: Callum Chadwick, Josh Jump, Ethan Chisnall; Liam Burbridge, Cath Trainer
  • Haydock Park Emergency Services Award: Alex Kean, Leanne Davis, Bill Houghton
  • Imperial Arts Award: Tom Loughlin, Johnny Vegas, Watch this Space
  • Scoff Outside Catering Champion Fundraiser: Ian Smith, Margaret Tipping, Alan Pedley
  • St Helens Council Young Sportsperson of the Year: Emily Gormley, Chelsea Jarvis, Nicole Donoghue
  • Hattons Sportsperson of the Year: Stephen Bunting, Chris Middlehurst, Conor Coady
  • AIM Child of Courage Award: Abi Duffy, Susanna Petersburska, Lauren Parker