THE search is on to find the Darlington Citizen of the Year.

Darlington Borough Council and The Northern Echo have launched the annual hunt for the town's unsung heroes - the volunteers and charity workers who deserve to be recognised for their community efforts.

Nominations are being sought for the award, which will be presented later this year.

Citizen of the Year was launched in 1995 by the then mayor, Councillor John Williams, to recognise people living in Darlington who have worked to make a difference in the town.

Previous award winners include the Darlington Peer Education Team, and retired teacher and tireless charity worker Jean Thurkettle, who was given the title last year.

The judges for this year's award have still to be confirmed, but the winner will receive a trophy and £200 towards his or her chosen charity.

There has already been one nomination for Citizen of the Year.

That was made by former mayor, Councillor Bill Dixon, who put forward the name of Firthmoor community worker Bill Cook.

The council is seeking many more nominations, and is asking people to write in.

Darlington Mayor, Councillor Dorothy Long, said: "There are many people in Darlington who do work to help the community, but whose efforts go unnoticed.

"The Citizen of the Year doesn't have to be someone who is well known, and we would like to receive nominations for people of all ages, both young and old."

In an unprecedented step, Bill Cook's name was put forward for the award before the official nominations were opened.

It was in recognition of the tireless work he has done to improve the quality of life for people living on the Firthmoor estate, where he has been a resident for a large part of his life.

Any other nominations should be sent to Neil Shaefer, The Northern Echo, PO Box 14, Priestgate, Darlington, DL1 1NF, or send e-mail nominations to nshaefe