A key employer in Stroud has launched a campaign to celebrate the town's unsung heroes.

Greg Pilley, founder and MD of Stroud Brewery, is running the campaign through April, with the aim of reflecting the town's gratitude for people who might be overlooked – and recognising his gratitude for those who threw a "lifeline" to his business, which employs 70 staff, during the pandemic.

Mr Pilley said: "Stroud is incredible. From protecting the planet to setting up support groups in difficult times, its people are always trying to find new ways to make the town better for everyone. It's no wonder it was listed by The Sunday Times as the best place to live.

"As a way of saying thank you, Stroud Brewery is launching its 'Cheers to Stroud' campaign to celebrate the people, places and history that make this so special ."

The campaign running throughout April calls on residents to nominate people deserving recognition under the social media hashtag of #CheerstoKindness.

Mr Pilley said: "We want to say a huge 'thank you' for acts of kindness that have gone above and beyond, with people being asked to nominate someone who's helped them get through a difficult time, or whose kindness has enriched their lives."

This could be someone who the nominee couldn't thank properly at the time or who they think simply deserves a special treat, he explained. Stroud Brewery's staff will then select four people from the nominations who'll be offered a free meal for two at the Brewery's Taproom.

Nominations can be sent in via Stroud Brewery's Instagram and Facebook accounts (including the hashtag #CheerstoStroud), or a short written description emailed to beer@stroubrewery.co.uk, posted to the brewery at Kingfisher Business Park, Thrupp, Stroud GL5 2BY.

They can also be handed into the Taproom bar and should include name and contact details of the nominee, but not their identity. The Brewery will then contact nominees for the details of the four people selected.

Closing date for all nominations is April 30th.

Mr Pilley added: "I shall be forever grateful to Stroud's wonderful caring and far-sighted community, the brewery exists because of them.Not only did they provide the funding to get us started, they also came to our rescue when we were staring at closure during the difficult times of the pandemic. People's donations and advanced orders threw us a life raft when we most needed it."

"Right from the start, I wanted the brewery to be a hub for the community to bring people together and break down barriers, so it's only right that we try to say thankyou in some way. Kindness is an underestimated quality, so we wanted to highlight it and say thank you as part of celebrating Stroud."

During the summer, future stages for the 'Cheers to Stroud' campaign will celebrate the history and places of Stroud and the surrounding area.