Inspired by the remarkable story of a North-East woman who walked 15 miles to get to work, we're going in search of the region's best employees.

Today's Northern Echo reported the story of Sarah Hodgson, who walked for four hours through the snow to reach Oldfields restaurant in Durham City, where she works as a supervisor.

Sarah's car was snowed in and public transport had ground to a halt but she was determined to make it into work.

It got me thinking about scheme to reward outstanding employees so we've teamed up with the North East Chamber of Commerce to launch the "Going The Extra Mile" awards.

Every month this year, a star employee will win £100, with an extra £300 going to the employee of the year.

Sarah is the inaugural winner for January.

We want to hear about your nominations, so spread the word.

They should be sent to Nigel Burton, Assistant Editor, The Northern Echo, Priestgate, Darlington, County Durham, DL1 1NF - or emailed to him at nigel.burton@nne.co.uk.