A BOLTON MP is urging residents to nominate their community's local heroes for recognition through the Nationwide Awards for Voluntary Endeavour.

Organised by the Nationwide Building Society, in association with the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) and the Newspaper Society, the awards are designed to reward and recognise the local heroes whose voluntary work or community activity has made a real difference to people's lives.

Bolton South East MP, Dr Brian Iddon, said: "These awards recognise and reward the local heroes in our community whose voluntary work or community activity has made a real difference to people's lives.

"Those who give up their free time to help others rarely ask for recognition, but I believe they deserve it. This is your chance to nominate someone who you believe deserves an award and make sure their work is recognised. 2005 is the Year of the Volunteer and so it's especially important that we take the time to thank all the volunteers in our community."

Anyone wishing to nominate someone who deserves an award can pick up a leaflet containing a nomination form at their local branch of the Nationwide Building Society, or the local public library.

On-line nominations can be made via www.nationwide. co.uk/about_nationwide/community_relations /awards/nom_form.asp

The closing date for nominations is 29th April 2005.