Search is on for local heroes (From Barry And District News)

Search is on for local heroes

THE BARRY and District News is throwing its weight behind this year's search for Barry's exceptional people.

The 2002 Citizen of the Year competition was launched on March 1 in our Holton Road office and then in Safeway store, Palmerston Road.

Brought to you by Dow Corning, Barry Town Council and the News, in association with Dan Evans and Safeway, the competition is hunting for that one person who goes the extra mile to help others.

Last year, the competition was called Barry's Community Hero and brought to light the efforts of Mike Bendell and Alexis Williams.

Colleagues nominated Mike as one of the driving forces behind the Vibe and Sorted events for local children. Alexis was nominated by her family after a pressure cooker exploded in the brave teenager's face while her mum was in hospital.

This year, there is a slight difference. While it is still open to all ages, there is no under-18 category. This year, there will be an over-all winner and two runners-up.

There will even be a hamper donated by Safeway for the person who nominates the winner.

Designed to give recognition to someone who has been an important influence in your life, nominating him or her as Barry Citizen of the Year will show your appreciation. It's a chance to say 'thank you' for all the hard work they do.

It's easy to enter the competition. Either call into the News office, 156, Holton Road and pick up an application form, fill it in and send it to the Barry Town Council offices on Gladstone Road, or you can vote on-line by visiting www.dowcorning.com and clicking on the Barry Citizen of the Year link.

The closing date is April, so hurry up and nominate your special person.