Here's how you can watch our Big Thank You awards to pay homage to our Covid heroes

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This year JPIMedia has launched the inaugural Big Thank You Awards, sponsored by Sovereign Health Care, to salute those in Yorkshire who have gone the extra mile during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The awards will act as a recognition of the heroic efforts of key workers, neighbours, families and friends who have been selflessly working – often behind the scenes – to keep us safe and healthy throughout these difficult and challenging times.

And the public recently came out in droves to cast their votes for the nominees they want to see crowned winners ahead of the virtual awards ceremony on Friday, December 11.

A total of 9,123 votes were cast in just one-week alone, the biggest and most successful public vote that has ever taken place for a JPIMedia event.

Event manager, Emily Anstruther, said: “I am absolutely thrilled to see how many communities, friends and families have gotten behind this event.

"The public vote was for a limited time and in just a week getting just shy of 10,000 individuals voting for their hero is brilliant and just shows how much people appreciate the spirit of these awards, which are all about giving back to those that have given the most.

"I couldn't be happier to be a part of this, and ensuring we're all ending this year on a high!”

The ceremony will be hosted by veteran TV presenter Harry Gration and broadcast at 7pm on the Big Thank You Awards website so everyone across Yorkshire can tune in.

It will feature an array of Yorkshire celebrities – such as Leeds actresses Verity Rushworth and Angela Griffin – who will all be saying their thanks to the finalists on the big night.

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There will also be entertainment and other special guests throughout the evening, including Wakefield-based magician and variety entertainer, Matt J Magic, and Callum Kewen, a singer who has written a song specifically about the lockdown.

To register and watch the Big Thank You Awards 2020, simply visit the website – www.bigthankyouawards.co.uk.