ADVERTISER readers have been urged to nominate their NHS heroes.

Anyone who works or volunteers for the health service in a non-medical role can be put forward for the NHS Unsung Hero Awards.

The scheme is intended to celebrate those who have gone over and above the call of duty.

Sheridan Flavin, deputy director of Workforce at Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are encouraging people to nominate their Unsung Heroes because it is so important that we recognise the hard-work and commitment our staff have shown.

"Their contribution is invaluable to the Great Western Hospitals and our patients and we are so grateful to them.”

The Unsung Hero awards began five years ago. This year's awards were launched at Alderhey Hospital in Liverpool by Coronation Street actor Anthony Cotton.

They were set up in a bid to recognise the work put in by NHS staff and teams that can be overlooked. Among those recognised by the awards are speech therapists, administrators, kitchen staff and porters.

The awards will be presented to winners at the Hilton DEansgate hotel, Manchester, on March 1 next year.

Anyone can nominate someone they think deserves recognition.

The deadline for nominations is November 16.

To nominate a NHS staff-member or volunteer, visit: www.unsungheroawards.com or call 0161 509 1255.