CHARITIES and individuals could be in with a chance of winning a reward for their efforts.

The 2017 Local Business Charity Awards have been launched in Gloucestershire for the fourth time.

The awards, which were founded by Jelf in 2014, offer a prize of a £250 weekend away for the individual award, with an award for charities with incomes over £100,000 a year and under £100,000 a year of £1,000.

Phil Barton, chief executive of Jelf and Bluefin, said: "We are delighted to announce the launch of the 2017 Local Business Charity Awards, alongside our new fellow sponsor, insurer Ageas.

"We first launched these awards in 2014 and are proud of what they have achieved so far, highlighting the altruistic companies in Gloucestershire who work very hard to support their local charities.

"We are truly delighted that Ageas has decided to come on board as a joint sponsor to further promote and support local Gloucestershire businesses and charities, and we look forward to delivering these awards in partnership together."

Cathy Taylor, head of commercial underwriting and operations of Ageas said: "As a responsible insurer and local employer, we are proud to support the communities we operate in.

"We are fully committed to supporting both local businesses and charities in Gloucestershire and these awards certainly demonstrate the community spirit we are so proud of at Ageas.

"I am thoroughly looking forward to the judging process and the awards ceremony in September."

Entry to the awards is free and the closing date for entries is Friday July 28.

Finalists will be announced on Monday August 14.

Finalists will be invited to attend the finals of the awards on Thursday September 7.

For further information and to enter the awards visit www.localbusinesscharityawards.co.uk