A CHARITY launched by a former mayor of Durham has been nominated for a national award.

The Mildred Brown Trust has been put forward by members of the public for the Ease Awards - Ease of Access, Service and Employment - which reward organisations that make efforts to ensure their facilities and services meet the needs of people with disabilities.

The awards are run by the Queen Elizabeth Foundation, which itself helps 100,000 disabled people every year.

The trust was set up after Durham City councillor Mildred Brown's year as mayor in 1989. It helps disabled people in the area take part in sport, has given funds to hundreds of people in the last decade, and works to help people achieve success despite their disabilities.

Councillor Brown, who represents Sherburn ward, said: "It is a tremendous honour to have been nominated for the Ease Award, and I'm particularly pleased that it is the public who have put forward the Mildred Brown Trust."

The winners will be announced at a ceremony at the London Hilton Hotel, on October 18.