The actress said she was delighted to be asked to co-host the prestigious event with actor Shaun Dooley - especially as the pair have never worked together before.
She said: "I think Proud of Barnsley is a fantastic idea. There is so much doom and gloom about at the minute and these awards will really help lift people's spirits and give some much-needed recognition to the individuals and groups who are doing so many great things in Barnsley.
"I'm really looking forward to hearing the stories of the winners. It's all very exciting. It will also be great to work with Shaun. He's brilliant and is very proud of his Barnsley roots."
Barnsley Chronicle editor Andrew Harrod said: "It is a real coup for us to get Katherine Kelly and Shaun Dooley working together to host the Proud of Barnsley awards night.
"We've already had lots of nominations but there is still time for you to get your nominations in."
* For more details about the awards, visit our website www.barnsley-chronicle.co.uk and follow the Proud of Barnsley link.
