The finalists have been announced for this year's annual No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Awards.

The award ceremony, taking place on February 1, 2024, puts the spotlight on organisations, groups and services that have made a difference to children, young people and families in Cheltenham in 2023, especially those living in poverty or facing hardship.

For the third consecutive year, Punchline-Gloucester.com is working in partnership with Cheltenham Borough Council to raise money and awareness for the campaign.

Cheltenham-based computer infrastructure and networking specialist, Infrastrar, is the headline sponsor for the second year.

Punchline-Gloucester.com is still looking for a category sponsor for the #OurTown category - understanding how child poverty affects Cheltenham and taking action to combat it. If your business or organisation would be able to help, get in touch with mark@moosemarketingandpr.co.uk.

This year's finalists are:

• #OurTown - Sewa Day, The Rock Cheltenham and Gloucestershire Learning Alliance

• #GoodMentalHealth sponsored by Creed Foodservice - Every Cloud Play & Creative Arts Therapy, Cheltenham's Counselling Centre and The Rock Cheltenham

• #BusinessForChange sponsored by Infrastar - Naomi Dunelm Cheltenham , School House Café and Cheltenham Town Community Trust

• #PhysicallyActive sponsored by Brickhampton Court Golf Complex - Move More and Shurdington C of E Primary School

• #FunandFulfilment sponsored by Incito McDonald's franchise - Cheltenham Children's Choir, Art Shape and Springbank Community Group CiC

• #InclusionWorks sponsored by Renishaw - Move More, Goals Beyond Grass and Cheltenham Festivals.

• #FutureLeaders sponsored by Randall & Payne - Simone Hopkins & Sons Martial Arts Academy, The Rock Cheltenham and Barking Buds Youth Trainer Programme

• #InspiringLearning sponsored by Hartpury College - Let's Cook with Josie CIC, Cheltenham Animal Shelter and Skillzone Gloucester

• #StrongRelationships sponsored by Punchline-Gloucester.com - Springbank Community Group CiC, Every Cloud Play & Creative Arts Therapy and Aspire Foundation UK

• #YoungAdults sponsored by Cheltenham BID - The Aston Project by Gloucestershire Constabulary, Cheltenham Animal Shelter and Young Gloucestershire

• #GoingGreen sponsored by Ecotricity - Cheltenham Borough Homes and Springbank Community Group CiC

• #EarlyYears sponsored by SAND Academies - Every Cloud Play & Creative Arts Therapy and Aspire Foundation UK

Mark Owen, editor of Punchline-Gloucester.com, said: "Congratulation to all the incredible finalists. We are really proud to be associated with No Child Left Behind and to support it every year. It's my favourite award ceremony of the year. Seeing the wonderful children's faces when they go up on stage to collect their awards is inspiring for us.

"A huge thank you to all the sponsors for coming on board and making this event happen."

Image credit: Mikal Ludlow