THE search is on for the angels of the nursing profession in the 2001 Community Nurse of the Year Awards.

The competition is open to any nurse employed by Blackburn, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley Communicare NHS Trust.

Nominations can be made by colleagues, care workers, patients, GPs and members of the public.

Margaret Bradley, a retired nurse and one of the organisers of the competition, said: "The awards are to recognise the high standards of care, the hard work and dedication of our nurses and health workers throughout the year.

"We have got some really good nominations coming in, they really are wonderful." First prize in the competition is £500, second is £400 and third is £300. Prizes of £25 will be given to three runners-up.

Closing date for nominations is February 26 and the winner will be announced at a presentation evening at Mytton Fold Farm Hotel in Langho on March 23.

Nomination forms can be picked up at health centres and hospitals around the borough.