TODAY we are launching our third Pride of East Lancashire Award which is the accolade for Outstanding Vocational Worker.

Every day men and women in East Lancashire go above and beyond the call of duty and excel in their workplace.

The difference they make can have a vast impact on the lives of others.

Nominations could include members of the emergency services, men and women who serve in the armed forces, people who work in the community - anyone who goes that extra mile to benefit others.

This award, sponsored by Fraser Eagle, gives you the chance to nominate a colleague, relative or friend who takes the time to put in that extra effort. You can even nominate yourself.

In the case of the emergency services, individuals can make the difference between life and death.

A spokesman for Lancashire Fire Service said: "Firefighters go into their job wanting to help others.

"The role presents real challenges. You see life in the raw and sometimes that can get pretty nasty but even knowing that they turn up for work and do it with enthusiasm.

"They love turning up for work and they are gutted more than anybody if someone is lost to fires or crashes. As part of a team they act to save lives, it is what they entered the job for."

And John Taylor, of Lancashire Fire Service, added: "There are loads of examples where officers have acted beyond the call of duty in the eyes of the public, but when asked most will say 'I was just doing my job'.

"Our officers regularly face dangerous situation which are often a matter of life or death for themselves or others. The conduct of our officers is usually nothing short of unbelievably professional and brave."

Similarly in the police force officers face different types of dangers every day.

But nominations for this award do not have to be so dramatic.

A nominee might be someone who has worked particularly hard on a specific project or someone who has spent a lot of their personal time continuing their work.

Doctors, nurses, teachers, ministers of religion, search and rescue personnel, bus drivers, milkmen and lollipop ladies could all be likely candidates.

The winner of this award will receive a £2,000 holiday and £1,000 cash. This will be presented at a glittering awards night at King George's Hall, Blackburn on November 22. The winner and two runners-up will also receive trophies.

All nominations for all 11 Pride of East Lancashire awards must be received by September 30.

Pride of East Lancashire Vocational Worker section...