A WORCESTERSHIRE town is preparing to launch its own "OBE" for the unsung resident who has contributed most to the community.

Members of the public will be invited to nominate candidates for Evesham's Good Citizen award and a special panel will choose the winner.

Councillors plan to announce the recipient at next year's Mayor-making ceremony, marking the end of the mayoral year.

Thank you

Mayor Andrew Dyke, who originally suggested the idea, said: "There are an awful lot of people out there who are unsung heroes and I thought it would be nice to give them a thank you from the town council.

"I saw it as a sort of OBE-type of award. The general public will send in nominations and a group can decide who is awarded it."

Councillor Tony Lyons backed the idea but felt it was important that the honour be more than a one-off event.

"Why not keep the person in the public for the whole of the year. It would be something that was ongoing and would show the value the council attributes to the importance of community work," he said.

A final decision on the award format will be made at a full town council meeting.