THE search is on to find Bury's "local heroes" who have made an outstanding contribution to the community.

Residents are being urged to nominate people for the annual Voluntary Service in the Community Awards.

The awards intend to recognise the efforts of men and women who have worked tirelessly to help others or improve the quality of local life.

No more than 12 awards are made in any one year. People can be nominated in one of six categories: sport and recreation, cultural, work with children and/or young people, work with older people or those with a disability or socially disadvantaged, conserving or improving the environment, and support for registered charities.

The ceremony will be held in December, and nominations must be received by October 31. Anyone who lives in the borough and/or whose work has benefited the local community is eligible. Mr Dennis Taylor, Bury Council's chief executive, said: "The work done should be of an entirely voluntary and unpaid nature. Consideration will be given to the length of service, personal effort and sacrifice involved, the extent of community benefit and achievement of the project.

"This is a chance to highlight those people who do so much for our communities and yet expect so little in return."

Nominations should be sent to The Chief Executive (ref Vol. Awards), Bury MBC, Town Hall, Bury, BL9 0SW.

NOMINATIONS are also being accepted for the 2001 Groundwork Business Environment Association Bury Awards. Entries are open to local businesses, organisations and individuals, and must be received by October 31. An awards dinner will be held in December.

The categories are: school environment projects; energy/water conservation and waste management; building, structures and landscape improvements; community environmental project; individual contribution to the environment (business and community); awareness and environmental management; local authority and public service (including utilities and emergency services); pollution control of air/water/land (including innovation and technology).

Entries should be sent to BEA, Link House, 35 Walmersley Road, Bury, BL9 6AE.