FRIENDS, family and colleagues who want to praise the town's unsung heroes have less than amonth to put in their nominations.

The deadline for nominations for the Best of Darlington Awards closes at the end of November.

Nominations have already been made since this year's competition was launched at the beginning of last month.

The annual awards, which recognise the achievements of people from the town, have 11 categories. These include: contribution to the community, one for adults and one for children; carer; neighbour from heaven; sportsman; contributions to arts; environment; business; academic excellence; and student.

Putting Darlington on the Map is an award for someone who has made the rest of the country more aware of the town.

Two awards, recognising the volunteer of the year and the Big Snap photography competition, the theme of which is Beyond My Window, will be separately judged.

It is the fifth year of the awards, which will again be held at Darlington College, on February 26. Nominations must be made by November 30. The judging panel meets next month.

Entry forms are available on The Northern Echo, Darlington Borough Council or Darlington Partnership websites, or at the town hall, Crown Street library and the Dolphin Centre.