HOW often have you heard the expression: "They deserve a medal"?

Well, the Bury Times may not be in the business of presenting medals but we are always eager to give public recognition to those unsung heroes in our community; those men, women - and maybe children - who work tirelessly for the benefit of others.

So, to help celebrate our 150th anniversary this year we will be awarding a prize of a luxury weekend away to a deserving "Good Neighbour", nominated by Bury Times Group readers.

It could be your next-door neighbour, someone down your street, or anyone you know whose efforts are making a difference in your community, or in this town.

They are probably one of the hundreds working in a voluntary capacity, running a residents' association, a youth organisation, a sports club, or supporting one of the many voluntary services. Or they could literally be just a "good neighbour"; a person taking the time and trouble to provide company or reassurance to someone living on their own, or incapacitated.

However, our "Good Neighbour" award does not exclude the professionals, though nominees would have to have demonstrated that they are prepared to "go the extra mile", beyond the acknowledged demands of their job.

The pages of the Bury Times Group newspapers are filled every week with stories of selfless acts by people in our community, and in our 150th year we want to publicly salute their sterling efforts.

We want to hear your stories. Send us your nominations, telling us in no more than 250 words why you think they should win our 150th anniversary "Good Neighbour" award, and we will feature some of them in the coming weeks. Include your name and address and telephone number, and also the name of your nomination. Post your entry to: "Good Neighbour Award", c/o Bill Allen, Bury Times, Market Street, Bury BL9 0PF; or send by email to billallen@burytimes.co.uk