AN award scheme has been launched to reward health care staff for their contributions to improving the quality of health care in the area.

Sedgefield Primary Care Trust has created four awards, called the PCT Life Awards, for people who work for the trust or in primary care.

The trust is asking local people to nominate someone for the awards if they have been impressed by the service they have received from a member of staff in their health clinic or community hospital.

The four awards are for working together, improving health services, improving the health of the local community and getting closer to the public.

There is also an individual award, the Alan Gray Award for Excellence, for someone who has shown outstanding commitment or worked in a way that exceeds what is normally expected. The award is named after the trust's former chairman.

Individuals receiving an award will be presented with £100 to develop their area of work, while winning teams will get £200.

Nomination forms are available in trust offices, GP surgeries, dentists and pharmacies.