East Kent sportsman Alastair McKean, who won a bronze medal at last year’s Beijing Paralympic games, is the VIP speaker at this year’s Pride in Thanet Awards to be held at the Winter Gardens, Margate, on Monday, March 30.

McKean, who was an award-winning coastal rower with Herne Bay Rowing Club before a motorcycle accident left him disabled, has battled to regain his strength and achieve international success in his sport. He was part of Great Britain’s coxed fours that carried off bronze in the Paralympics in September.

The 2009 Pride in Thanet Awards are organised by Visit Kent and Thanet council to reward people in local tourism, leisure and hospitality businesses who go out of their way to welcome residents and visitors.

People who provide outstanding customer service throughout Ramsgate, Margate and Broadstairs, and the surrounding villages, are eligible for the awards. This year, for the first time, anyone nominating a person selected by the judges for a Pride in Thanet Award will also have the chance to win £50 in gift vouchers.

Fran Warrington, head of Visit Kent at Kent County Council, who will be hosting the awards ceremony with MC, kmfm presenter Johnny Lewis, said: “This is the fourth year for the Pride in Thanet Awards, which provide a chance for us to shine the spotlight on all those unsung heroes and heroines who make their customers’ lives that bit brighter.

“The Pride campaign is all about supporting people working in our tourism businesses and helping us all celebrate our pride in our county with our visitors.”

Other guest speakers at the awards ceremony will be Cllr Shirley Tomlinson of Thanet council and Kevin Lynes, Kent County Council’s cabinet member for regeneration and supporting independence. The awards ceremony will start at 6.30pm with a reception.

For further information about the Pride in Thanet Awards, call Visit Kent: 01622 221908 or email: prideinkent@kent.gov.uk.