TIME is running out to nominate unsung heroes of the community for an award.

Nominations for this year's Durham Community Citizens' Award close next Friday.

The awards were launched last year, when more than 40 community champions were nominated for volunteer work in their area.

The overall winner was Margaret Nancarrow, from Shadforth, chairwoman of her village Community Association, as well as being a mainstay of the Women's Institute, her church in Belmont and the village school in Sherburn Hill.

The winner will receive £500, up from £300 last year, to donate to a community group of their choice.

There will also be six runners-up awards, representing six different areas of the district, who will receive £100 to donate to a worthy cause.

The awards scheme is open to residents of all ages from across the Durham City district. Nominations must be received from a third person. Entrants cannot nominate themselves.

Councillor Les Thomson, Durham City Council's portfolio holder for communities, said; "We are delighted to be running this scheme again and help communities say thank you to community members who freely give up their time but often go unrecognised."

For more information or an application form, contact Brian Riley, Durham City community development officer, on 0191-301-8261.