The awards, which will take place in September, is set to celebrate and shine the spotlight on the people, places and businesses in the North Lancashire and South Cumbria area.

Entries are now open for 24 categories, including ‘best customer service’, ‘best visitor attraction’ and the ‘innovation award’ which is also sponsored by Electricity North West.

Martin Deehan, operations director for Electricity North West, said: “As the region’s power network operator, our role goes beyond keeping the lights on across the North West. We are committed to serving the wonderful and passionate community of North Lancashire and South Cumbria in which many of our people work and live.

“We’re proud that it’s our network that connects communities and supports the success of local people and businesses which is why we’re delighted to be involved in the very first Bay Living Awards to help celebrate the best of The Bay.

“We witnessed first-hand the fantastic local community spirit during Storm Desmond back in 2015 as our engineers and local people worked together to battle the elements and we’re proud to champion our local region, people and businesses.”

Bill Johnston, managing director of The Bay, said: “The Bay Living Awards will showcase the very best that businesses and their people have to offer the local community, our listeners and readers across The Bay area of North Lancashire and South Cumbria.

“This is the first awards initiative of its type in The Bay region and the focus of the categories will ensure that the best local businesses, at the very heart of our community, will be recognised. The Bay Living Awards is all about the people, places and businesses that make this area so great.”

For more information and to enter the awards click here and you can listen here to Martin Deehan discussing the awards.