Over-50s insurance provider RIAS has again joined forces with Yours Magazine to search the nation for inspirational grandparents who go above and beyond. The public have until the Friday 3^rd August 2012 to nominate their parents, friends, grandparents or themselves into any of the following categories:

• Hero Gran (or granddad) - nobody in the family knows how they would cope without her
• Granddad - he provides the fun and unforgettable magical memories
• Glam Gran – she looks fabulous and sets the bar in the glamour stakes
• Great Gran (or Grandad) - you will often find an inspirational great-gran at the head of a four-generation family
• Active Gran (or Grandad) - she’s got more energy than her grandchildren and can pack more into a day than people half her age

Each category winner will be in with a chance of being crowned the overall ‘Grandparent of the Year’ 2012.

To nominate a loved one, go online to www.yours.co.uk/gpoty2012

The judging panel includes celebrity grandparent Janet Ellis, well known broadcaster and mother to singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor and grandmother to Sonny, Ray and Kit; RIAS Marketing Director Sarah Howe; the Editor of Yours Magazine Valery McConnell; Founder and Chair of charity Grandparents Plus Jean Stogdon and Chief Executive of The Grandparents’ Association Lynn Chesterman.

The panel will review all the nominations and decide on the category winner who will win VIP treatment for the day; they will be invited to London for a mini-makeover and photo shoot followed by an awards ceremony at the luxurious London Hilton on Park Lane on Friday 28^th September 2012. The lucky winner will receive a £1,000 of shopping vouchers and runners up will each receive £100 worth of Marks & Spencer vouchers all courtesy of the specialist insurance provider RIAS.

Janet Ellis, spokesperson for the awards adds: “I’m delighted to be involved with the awards for the second year running. Last year the standard of entries was exceptionally high, and the judging process was an inspiring and emotional process. I can’t wait to read the stories for 2012."

Last year, Isobel Hoare, from Garway, Herefordshire was crowned the winner after being nominated by daughter Lucy. When one of Lucy’s children developed a life-threatening illness, which required her constant attention, Isobel stepped in to become the emotional and practical support to both her children and grandchildren. With unconditional support, Isobel held the family together and never stopped smiling.

For more information about the ‘Grandparent of the Year’ Awards 2012 and to enter visit www.yours.co.uk/gpoty2012. To find out about RIAS and the range of products and services it offers, visit www.rias.co.uk