RESIDENTS, councillors, community groups and teachers are being urged to put forward their nominations for an annual award ceremony.

Deadline for nominations for the 2009 Best of Darlington Awards is still three weeks away.

Competition for all the categories remains open but organisers are keen to accept nominations for the arts, carer and neighbour from heaven sections.

There are 11 categories with the winner chosen by the select panel of judges, with an additional two accolades.

The awards recognise people's achievements during 2009. Awards go to contribution to the community, one for adults and one for children, carer, neighbour from heaven, sportsman, contributions to arts, environment and business, academic excellence, and student of the year.

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

Anyone is entitled to submit a nomination.

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

It is the fifth year of the awards, which will be once again held at Darlington College, on February 26.

Nominations must be made by November 30, with the judging panel meeting in December.

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.