PEOPLE who have made a difference in their communities across County Durham are being sought as nominations are made for the Chairman’s Medal.

It is presented to individuals and groups to recognise significant achievement and outstanding effort in all walks of life and is the highest honour Durham County Council can bestow.

Area Action Partnerships (AAPs) are now seeking nominations from across the county in the run-up to a

The medal has been the county's top civic award since its introduction in 2007 and council chairman John Robinson will host a ceremony on March 13 to award chosen ‘individuals for their voluntary effort or ‘outstanding charitable organisations’.

There will be 14 winners representing each Area Action Partnerships areas across the county.

Cllr Robinson said: “I want this presentation event to be a celebration of the achievements and effort that people of our county put in every day - a little time to reflect on the excellent work that people do for each other.

"I am keen also to try and highlight through this event the excellent work undertaken by the emergency services in County Durham.

“We are writing to all AAP forum members and voluntary organisation partners to ask for nominations but anyone can nominate someone.”

For further details log on to: www.durham.gov.uk/ChairmansMedal, e-mail chairmansoffice@durham.gov.uk or call 03000 268 828

The deadline for nominations is January 16 2015 and completed forms should be sent to the Chairman’s Office, Durham County Council, County Hall, Durham DH1 5UF.