HOME-grown wonder women no longer need international links to scoop a title.

As the closing date for entries to their Woman of the Year Appeal draws near Darwen Soroptimists have moved the goal posts - and say that candidates do not need to be involved in overseas work to fit the bill.

Their initial appeal, launched last year, was aimed at women who have given up their spare time for various organisations - and had links abroad.

But the criteria has proved to be a limitation because the soroptimists have received just two entries.

Their spokeswoman said: "We are disappointed by the response because we feel that there must be many more women in Darwen who fit the bill.

"If people are being put off by the international element I would encourage them to send in their nominations anyway. We will still consider people who have not be involved in overseas work.

"Obviously we do not want to ignore those women who have given their time to benefit the people of Darwen."

But even last year, when the criteria was more locally-based, there were just four entries.

Title-winner Nan Birch was chosen for her extensive work in the community and local charities - with the emphasis on Darwen.

If you would like to nominate someone for the title, you can pick up an application form and find out more information from Darwen Library.

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