A NEW award to honour the good work of men in Rossendale has been launched.

The accolade, Honorary Men of Rossendale Award, follows Rossendale's Woman of the Year Award which was launched to recognise women from all walks of life.

Nominations for the new award are being sought with young and old being equally eligible for the top prize.

Local campaigner Susan Troughton is behind the plans to reward the outstanding community efforts of men in the Valley.

Several years ago Susan set up CROPS, the Campaign for the Restoration of Old People's Services, when home help provision was withdrawn by Lancashire County Council.

A joint award ceremony will be held to celebrate both the men and women of the year in what promises to be the highlight of Rossendale Hospice's fundraising year.

Susan, who lives in Loveclough, said: "The idea popped into my head because I knew there wasn't anything like the women's award for men."

Nominations should include the proposer's name and address and the name and address of the person they would like to nominate as well as a brief description of why they have been nominated.

The ceremony will be held at Horncliffe Mansion, Bury Road, Rawtenstall, on February 27, at 8pm.

The deadline for nominations is February 9. All nominations should either be sent to Susan at 46 Goodshaw Avenue, Loveclough, Rossendale, BB4 8PX or Rossendale Hospice, Cribden House, Rossendale Hospital, Rossendale.