Nottinghamshire County Council is offering you the chance to put your favourite council worker in the spotlight, and let them know that they are worth their weight in gold.

It has launched the Outstanding Public Service Awards 2001 and people are invited to nominate a council employee who they believe have provided excellent service.

Previous winners have included a teacher, youth worker, community care assistant, librarian, trading standards officer and a school caretaker.

This year's awards are sponsored by the GMB union and BBC Radio Nottingham, and there are four categories: Services to Young People, Caring Services, Services to the Public and Support Services.

Nomination forms are available from libraries, youth centres and the reception at County Hall, West Bridgford. You can also complete a form on the County Council's website at www.nottscc,gov.uk or you can ring the OPSA hotline on 0115 977 3175. The deadline for nominations is July 14.

Terry Gorman, assistant chief executive said: "These awards are a way of saying thank you to those council staff that the public feel have gone that extra mile to provide excellent service."

Category winners will receive £100 and runners-up £50. Team Category winners will be awarded £250 and runners-up £150. The overall individual winner will receive an additional cheque for £150 and the overall winning team will get an additional £500.