DO you know any exceptional Worcestershire residents who have made an outstanding contribution to the community?

If so, they could be nominated for this year's Midlander of the Year.

The awards scheme honours the region's heroes and heroines who have played an important role in the social, political, industrial, cultural or sporting life of the region.

In fact the county is full to the brim with people who have achieved incredible feats.

Richard Wood, of Northwick Road, Worcester, made history this month by becoming just the 24th person to row single-handedly across the Atlantic Ocean from East to West to raise money for St Richard's Hospice.

Worcester Action Against Flooding chairman Mary Dhonau is another exceptional resident who successfully campaigned to have temporary flood barriers installed along Hylton Road.

Mrs Dhonau is also a leading member of Thornton House Parents Action Group, which is trying to prevent the closure of the Thornton House special needs school.

Categories include Innovation Midlander of the Year, Community Midlander of the Year, Entrepreneur Midlander of the Year and Courageous Midlander of the Year.

"The fourth year of running Midlander follows another outstanding line-up of winners for 2003," said Ian Squires, managing director ITV Central, which organises the event.

"Midlander is an important feature of our unique regional news service, working off-air to find the people who make the Midlands."

Nominations can be submitted in writing to Midlander of the Year, Regional Affairs, ITV Central, Gas Street, Birmingham, B1 2JT or via e-mail at midlander@itv.com