COMPANIES in Bolton are being invited to compete for the title of Family Friendly Employer of the Year.

The UK-wide competition is being organised by the NSPCC to celebrate the achievements of employers who help parents juggle work responsibilities with caring for their children.

Judges for the award, which is sponsored by executive search organisation Norman Broadbent, are looking for companies of all sizes who can demonstrate innovative work practices that will inspire others.

Bright ideas from last year's finalists included provision of after-school and holiday care, time off to attend school plays and sports days, emergency babysitters to help when children or parents are unwell, and stress management therapies for staff.

Sue Woolmore, Bolton's NSPCC public policy adviser said: "This award contributes to the aims of the NSPCC's Full Stop Campaign to end cruelty to children, by highlighting the need for working parents to receive more support in the workplace, because supported parents also means happier, safer children.

"We want to hear from employers whose creative work-balance practices are not only improving the lives of their employees, but can demonstrate that being family-friendly equals good business sense."

The NSPCC Family Friendly Award is a category in the Employer of the Year Awards 2004, organised by charity Working Families. Companies can enter by registering at www.workingfamilies.org.uk/eya by July 16.

The winner will be announced at a ceremony in London in December.