The carefully-selected judging panel, which included several past winners of Angus Ambassador Awards, had a difficult task in front of them when they sat down to consider the entries for the six categories in the 2009 Angus Ambassador Awards.

"There were so many excellent entries, it was incredibly tricky to decide on the short leet for each category," said John Burt, Principal of Angus College and one of this year's judges and sponsor of the Youth Ambassador Award.

"We were very impressed with all of the entrants, although we finally agreed on the finalists for each category whom we feel have ensured the spotlight has been shining on Angus over the last 12 months."

The finalists in the Business Ambassador, Entrepreneurial Angus Award, which recognises those who demonstrate innovation, ambition and enterprise, are Forster Roofing, Montrose and Montrose Rope & Sail, Montrose.

The finalists in the Community Ambassador, Pride of Angus Award, which celebrates those who are helping to build stronger, more confident, more prosperous communities, are Brechin Youth Project, Brechin, Carnoustie Allotments Association, Carnoustie and Lilybank Biodiversity Team, Forfar.

The finalists in the Cultural Ambassador, Creative Angus Award, which highlights those who encourage and promote the culture of Angus, are J. J. Laing, Mania Dance Studio, Arbroath, Kinblethmont Gallery, by Arbroath and Montrose Air Station Heritage Centre, Montrose.

The finalists in the International Ambassador, The GoAhead Angus Award, which rewards those who are raising the profile of Angus all over the world, are Angus College, Arbroath, James Bell, Carnoustie and Montrose Seafarers Centre, Montrose.

The finalists in the Tourism Ambassador, Welcome Angus Award, which commemorates the contribution tourism makes to Angus, are Arbroath Events, Caroline Millar, Auchterhouse and Harbour Nights Guest House, Arbroath.

And finally, the finalists in the Youth Ambassador, Aspiring Youth Award are Claire Smith, Monifieth, Hannah Stewart, Montrose and Stephen Barthope, Arbroath.

The winners will be announced at the glittering Angus Ambassador Award Ceremony at Carnoustie Golf Hotel on Friday, November 27.