On behalf of the Liverpool Echo, welcome to the 2019 ECHO Awards.

It takes very special people to create a very special event like this. And fortunately we live in a city and a region which is packed full of them.

The stories we’ve told on and in the Liverpool ECHO over the past 12 months bear witness to that fact.

It is a City Region full of heroes who put others first; full of generous men, women and children who open their arms and their hearts to others in need – sometimes desperate need. And full of brave people whose stories of triumph over adversity leave us both humbled and inspired.

We look forward to receiving your nominations over the coming week and celebrating the Pride of Merseyside 2019.

Alastair Machray
Editor, Liverpool Echo Editor-in-Chief, Reach plc Merseyside, Cheshire & North Wales