RESIDENTS are being given an extra week to nominate people for Darlington's Citizen of the Year.

Darlington Borough Council and The Northern Echo are looking for the town's unsung heroes - volunteers and charity workers who deserve recognition for their community efforts.

Several people have been nominated for the award, which will be presented next month, but there is still time for more names to be put forward.

The closing date was due to be yesterday, but organisers have extended this for a further week.

A panel of judges, including Chief Inspector Peter Davis, of Darlington police, Darlington MP Alan Milburn, and Peter Barron, editor of The Northern Echo, will decide who will receive a trophy and £100 towards his or her chosen charity.

Previous winners include the Darlington Peer Education team, and retired teacher and charity worker Jean Thurkettle.

Nominations should be sent to Neil Shaefer, The Northern Echo, PO Box 14, Priestgate, Darlington, DL1 1NF, or e-mail nshaeferT"> Greenfield School Communit