PEOPLE whose tireless work in Darlington makes them stand out in a crowd can be honoured as part of the Mayor's Community Awards scheme.

Nominations are welcome for any group or individual whose selfless work makes a real difference in their local community.

This year, the organisers of the scheme hope to see more people than ever nominated.

Mayoral support officer Iain Purdie said: "This is the Mayor's way of saying thank you to those people whose work for good causes make a difference in the town."

Any person, or group, can be nominated for Citizen of the Year and Community Group of the Year respectively.

The scheme is sponsored by the Advertiser's sister paper, The Northern Echo.

The closing date for nominations is Friday, April 30, and the winner will be chosen by a panel of judges and will be revealed on Wednesday, May 12.

The winner will receive a commemorative trophy and be invited to all major civic events, including the Mayor's ball, the Mayoress at home and the Holocaust Memorial Day.

They will also receive two £100 cheques, one from the Mayor's Charity Fund and one from The Northern Echo. The prize money will be donated to the winner's chosen charity.

Last year's winner was Beatrice Cuthbertson, 83, former Mayor of Darlington and former chairman of Sadberge parish council, who won the award for her constant voluntary work in Sadberge.

For more details contact Mr Purdie on (01325) 388363.