Luton's Best Awards - nominate your local hero today!

The Luton’s Best Awards -organised by Love Luton and backed by the Luton News - are now live. Each week, the Luton News spotlights three categories.

The first award is the Best Fundraiser Award sponsored by Sherriff Construction, who are one of Love Luton’s new sponsors for 2026.

This award recognises a dedicated charity fundraiser, or fundraising team, of any age who has made an outstanding contribution through fundraising activities, voluntary efforts, or other forms of support for charitable causes. We encourage nominations for individuals or groups who are still actively involved in their role, although nominations may highlight achievements and contributions made before 2025/26 as well as their more recent impact.

Last year’s winner was Anniyah Khan, an extraordinary young woman. Autistic and nonverbal, she completed a 5km walk and raised £10,000 for children affected by the war in Gaza. Her achievement is remarkable, not just for the physical challenge, but for the compassion that inspired it.

Despite sensory and social barriers, Anniyah’s quiet determination created a powerful act of fundraising that will deliver life‑saving aid. She sought no attention… only impact.

The second award is: Community Company of the Year sponsored by Frasers Plus Luton

This award is looking for an individual or team employed either in the public, private or voluntary sector that goes above and beyond. Their effort and enthusiasm should have a positive effect on the community, making us all proud to be part of Luton. We are really keen to hear from organisations who have gone that extra mile to support the town and can include signing up and delivering against their Luton 2040 pledge or joining the Good Business Charter.

Last year’s winner was Renewable Edtricity Systems Limited. Led by Eddie Doherty and Mark Morrison delivered a transformative gift to Keech Hospice, a 220kW solar panel system that will save the charity £50,000 every year.

Rallying tradespeople and community support, they coordinated the free installation of more than 500 panels,  an act of extraordinary generosity and innovation. This pioneering project, the first of its kind for a UK hospice, means more funds can go directly to patient care.

The third spotlight award is the Community Project of the Year award, sponsored by TUI.

This award will seek to recognise a community based Project which has been initiated by a local charity or voluntary organisation, community group, schools or by any other person or body. The Project must demonstrate a tangible community benefit, how it influenced the community, how many people it engaged and what will be the lasting benefits and legacy impact.

Last year’s winner was Luton Smiles. A community‑powered initiative bringing festive cheer and vital support to families in hardship. Since 2019, it has united schools, businesses, and volunteers to deliver hot meals and toys each Christmas.

Last year, the campaign provided 1,000 meals and over 2,000 toys supported by 100 volunteers and £4,400 in fundraising. With partners like Luton Foodbank, Aspens Services, and Frasers Plus Luton, it has become a trusted lifeline for local families.

To nominate your local hero, visit www.loveluton.org.uk/lutonsbestawards/