Person To Be Proud OfTHE GRAND FINAL

Congratulations to all those who have made it into our Grand Final where our readers will now vote for the winner.

Text voting lines are now open and will remain so until Tuesday, March 13 at 10pm.

We will announce the winner in our edition of Tuesday, March 20.

Times Editor, David Rankin, said: “On behalf of The Coleraine Times I want to extend congratulations to our final nine nominees.

“We’ve had a fantastic response to this competition with our readers contacting us through our Facebook and Twitter accounts, e-mail, post and even calling into our offices at Stone Row.

“Nominations came in from all walks of life, encompassing sport, community, charity and showbiz. We feel our final nine reflect just some of those who work hard to make Coleraine and their communities a better place.

“So we now want all our readers to vote for their favourite. Remember every vote will count so make sure not to miss out.”

How to vote

To vote for your Coleraine Times Person to be Proud of simply text CRT (space) PROUD (space) followed by the two digit number of your choice, your name, address inc postcode and e-mail address and send to 61500

Texts cost 50p plus your standard network rates. Remember you can vote as often as you like.

Rules and terms & conditions:

Texts cost 50p plus your standard network rate. Voting closes 10pm Tuesday 13th March 2012. Please note if you should enter after the stated closing deadline your entry will not be valid but you still may be charged. The winner will be the nominee who receives the greatest number of votes by both text and post. For quality and training purposes we may monitor communications. SMS services are provided by Velti DR Ltd SE1 8ND – 02076335000. By supplying your telephone number you’re happy to receive SMS messages from Johnston Press and its approved business partners. Johnston Press (or via its agents) and its business partners may contact you about new promotions, products and services.

Please add the word EXIT at the end of your message if you do not wish to receive these.

01. CLAIRE JOHNSTON

Known to many as the familiar face behind the bar of the Railway Arms in Coleraine, Clare was nominated for “working tirelessly to support all the local charities in the Triangle area, especially the Ulster Cancer Foundation”. Text 01

02. JEAN WHYTE

77-year-old Jean was nominated by her daughter for transforming the Shellbridge Park bridge area of Coleraine by planting lots of flowers shortly after leaving hospital. She has been praised by the Mayor of Coleraine, Alderman Maurice Bradley, for her green-fingered efforts to brighten up the area. She can be seen out in all weathers tending the plants. Text 02

03. TOMMY DOHERTY

LMA League and Ballyrashane Cup organiser for 23 years, Tommy has been nominated for his fundraising for cancer charities. He is also nominated for his recent efforts to raise money to provide defibrillators for local youth football matches. Text 03

04. DAVY BOYLE

Coleraine’s Caring Caretaker really needs no introduction. Since Davy Boyle began his fundraising in 2002, he has raised a staggering £346,999.25 for a host of grateful charities.

Just this year, he raised over £54,000 through his year-long fundraising programme which includes charity walks, quizzes, golf days, bag packing and his famous pre-Christmas sit-out which he endures annually - one year in temperatures of -15 degrees! Text 04

05. LOUISE NEILL

Louise has worked for years at Benvardin Kennels rescuing and rehoming literally thousands of dogs. She previously worked for the USPCA and then set up BARK (Benvardin Animal Rescue Kennels). She works around the clock at the unfunded registered charity which depends on public donations. Text 05

06. LEE GALBRAITH/MATTHEW JORDAN/

JIM KANE

These three lads were nominated for completing the mammoth task of running six marathons last year - almost 160 miles of roads in Europe and America to raise money for charity. Jim, from Portballintrae, and Lee and Matthew, both from Coleraine, took on the challenge to raise money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association after Jim’s mother Jean died in 2005 after a long battle with Motor Neurone Disease. Text 06

07. MARGARET PEACOCK

Margaret Peacock from Coleraine has been organising a Christmas Day dinner for elderly people who would otherwise be alone for over 20 years. Each year Margaret, who is also the Northern Ireland representative for the Fibromyalgia Trust Group, raises funds for the dinner, organises transport to and from the event as well as raffle prizes and Christmas gifts for the elderly. Text 07

08. ANGELA WELCH

Manager of the Causeway branch of the Citizens Advice Bureau, Angela Welch has been synonymous with the charity for many years in the Borough. Citizens Advice helps people resolve their debt, benefits, housing, legal, discrimination, employment, immigration, consumer and other problems and is available to everyone regardless of race, gender, sexuality, age, nationality, disability or religion. Text 08

09. JENNIFER CAMPBELL

Jennifer Campbell, principal of DH Christie Memorial retires in December after ten years in the post. The mother of Olympic rower Alan Campbell, Mrs Campbell has won plaudits for her inspirational and enthusiastic stewardship of the Ballycairn Road school. DH Christie is one of the biggest schools in the borough and Mrs Campbell has been a central figure in its academic, extra-curricular and sporting successes. Text 09

OUR WINNER WILL WALK AWAY WITH THESE FANTASTIC PRIZES

* HOTEL GETAWAY: One night bed and breakfast and an evening meal at The Everglades Hotel, Londonderry, courtesy of Hastings Hotels.

* TIMEPIECE TO TREASURE: A Ladies/Gents Citizen Eco-Watch (with optional, complimentary engraving) from David Martin Jewellers, Coleraine.

* NIGHT AT THE THEATRE: Two tickets to a show of your choice at The Riverside Theatre, Coleraine to include complimentary drinks at the bar during the interval or free tea, coffee and ice cream.

* FAMILY FUN: A family cinema ticket and ten pin bowling for four at The Jet Centre, complex Coleraine.

* PORTRAIT: A family or personal portrait by Paul Nash Photography. A stunning colour or black and white print

* TRY SOMETHING NEW: A group of four surf lessons, for adults or children, courtesy of the award-winning Alive Surf School, Portrush. Enjoy days out at our beautiful beaches and learn to surf with tutor and surf school owner, Ricky Martin