Katherine, 32, said she was excited to be hosting the awards ceremony on Wednesday, November 14, at the Holiday Inn, Dodworth.
The former-Coronation Street star is no stranger to glitzy ceremonies and said the Proud of Barnsley Awards gives her good reason to return to her hometown. She will be handing out the trophies made by sculptor Graham Ibbeson.
"It's lovely to come back and I don't get back as much as I would like to. I think the awards are lovely, Graham has done a great job and the leaf on the front is very-well placed."
She said the award ceremony will raise spirits in the town and give a long-overdue nod of recognition to Barnsley's volunteers, community groups, young superstars and carers.
"The main thing for me is it is recognising all those people who are taken for granted. It's not until they are no longer there that you realise you were so lucky to have them.
"The Proud of Barnsley Awards will be a good night to remind us all of that."
She said Barnsley folk hold a special place in her heart as they are always 'good fun and up for a laugh.'
"I'm sure the night will be great and it's uplifting to be doing something like this and I think for people just to be nominated for an award is a big thing."
Katherine is starring in BBC Four's Best Possible Taste: The Kenny Everett Story, playing his wife Lee Middleton in the drama which explores the life of the much-loved comedian. It airs on Wednesday.
The deadline for Proud of Barnsley nominations is today so if someone you know is deserving of an award nominate them now as the search comes to an end to find the town's unsung heroes.
Readers are also urged to nominate the volunteers, charity workers, carers, community groups and good neighbours who make Barnsley the special place it is.
All those shortlisted for an award will be invited to the presentation night being hosted by Katherine Kelly.
The lucky winners will take home one of the specially commissioned trophies.
Visit www.barnsley-chronicle.co.uk/proudofbarnsley to nominate online or pick up a form from the Church Street office. Contact Liz Lee on 734459 or email her at ll<\@>scriptmedia.co.uk.
