BOLTON-based awards which annually highlight inspirational women are already proving a worldwide hit this year.

Nominations for the She Inspires Awards have attracted nominations from countries including Kenya, Nepal, Malaysia, America and Sri Lanka as well as from across the UK. In fact, there are already 1,188 nominations in so far.

However, organiser Gulnaz Brennan urged those wanting to nominate extraordinary females in the 18 categories to “please get them in as quickly as possible before nominations close on May 31.”

It is the first time that the Awards – now in their seventh year – have gone global with six of the categories open internationally.

Bolton Council has become Event Partner for the Awards, due to be held at Bolton Whites Hotel on November 25.

Council Chief Executive, Mr Tony Oakman, commented: “We’re proud and honoured to be supporting the She Inspires Awards once again, recognising the achievements and work of women within the borough.

“The Awards do so much to highlight outstanding achievements in work, voluntary sector, education, health and wellbeing and a host of other fields.

“We’re also proud that the Girl Up Award has been re-named in honour of former Mayoress Gay Wharton who tragically passed away last year. She gave untold hours of her time to many Bolton-based charities and leaves a legacy of kindness for the people of Bolton.”

Gulnaz Brennan said she was “delighted” with the large number and the quality of nominations received this year. “It’s just wonderful to see them come in from right across the world as well as from across our own borough,” she added.

There is still time to nominate a special woman who deserved recognition, however, and she particularly wanted to encourage nominations for the Culture Champion Award, the HeforShe Award and the Couple of the Year Award.

A previous Lifetime Achievement Award winner and now an Awards’ judge, Gill Smallwood who is Chief Executive of Fortalice, stated. “I was so delighted to be a part of the Awards and to meet so many wonderful people.

“It is so important that we recognise achievements and the She Inspires Awards give us time to recognise so many inspirational women.”

To nominate go to: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/SheInspiresNominate