NOMINATIONS are being sought to find a town's unsung heroes.

Ferryhill Town Council and the Ferryhill 2000 Committee are asking residents and voluntary organisations to nominate people who improve the quality of other people's lives.

Karen Emerson, a spokeswoman for the town council, said: "If you know a resident of Ferryhill who has done something or helped in some way to benefit others living in the town or any other action, which has achieved success in any field, then why not nominate them for one of the Ferryhill Civic Awards."

Mrs Emerson said that last year organisers were overwhelmed by the response from residents so, as well as three winners, there were several runners-up.

"We will certainly have the three main winners again," said Mrs Emerson.

"But we're at the early stages of the process so, once we see how many nominations we have, we'll decide how many awards and certificates we will give out."

Last year's winners were: Dorothy Mutch - caring for people; Lawrence O'Brien - caring for the environment; and Glynis Hall - community work.

Application forms for the awards are available from Ferryhill Town Hall, Ferryhill, DL17 8JL, and should be returned by January 4.

For more information, call 01740-652157.