THE hunt is on to find Spennymoor's unsung heroes, with a contest run by the town's Masonic Lodge.

People in the town are urged to nominate friends or relatives for the Spennymoor Person of the Year contest.

It is the first year the competition has been run.

Nominations can include anyone from a child who cares for their grandparents to someone who has gone beyond the call of duty for a good cause.

Stuart Howarth, from the Spennymoor Masonic Lodge, said: "We thought we would put something back into the community with this award.

"It is the unsung heroes we are trying to wheedle out.

"It is surprising how many people are out there making a difference.

"Half the time they do not realise what they are doing is something special."

The Freemasons group will also be donating trophies to Spennymoor's two secondary schools, which will be awarded to young people who have helped the community.

The winners will be invited to an open day at the Masonic Hall to receive their trophy and a prize.

Send nominations to: Spennymoor Masonic Hall, 2-4 Dundas Street, Spennymoor, DL16 6AR.