PEOPLE of Ferryhill are encouraged to get involved in two highlights on the town’s calendar which reward its unsung heroes and talented residents.

Ferryhill Town Council and Ferryhill 2000 Committee have teamed up to organise a citizenship awards scheme and an art and photography exhibition.

Residents and organisations are urged to nominate volunteers who work hard to improve the quality of life in the town to the Ferryhill Civic Awards.

This year, the awards are open to young people as well as adults in four categories- care in the community, working with young people, caring for the environment and deserving young people.

Applications are now being taken for the 2016 Ferryhill Art and Photography Exhibition which will be held upstairs at Ferryhill Town Hall from Monday, August 1 to Sunday, August 12.

The event gives artists and photographers the chance to display and their work and the deadline to apply to exhibit is Friday, July 8.

Visitors will be encouraged to vote for their favourite pieces of work in four categories- best artwork by under 18s, best artwork by over 18s, best photograph by under 18s and best photograph by over 18s. Winners will get a prize and certificate.

For more information about the exhibition and application forms and civic award nomination forms visit Ferryhill Town Hall or call 01740- 652157.