THE Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Cliff Morris, is looking for an exceptional local person to become the 2004 Boltonian of the Year.

He wants to hear from individuals in all sections of Bolton life to try to highlight these often unsung heroes and heroines.

The winner will receive a handsome trophy at a special awards luncheon in the Reebok Stadium's Platinum Suite on Friday, May 7, when broadcaster and entertainer Norman Prince will be Master of Ceremonies.

The £15 a head, four-course luncheon will be raising funds for the Mayor's charities -- the local branch of the Variety Club of Great Britain, the For Dementia support group and Halliwell Befriending Service.

But the event also offers a rare chance to put some of the town's most caring people into the spotlight.

"There are many remarkable people out there," said Cllr Morris. "Teaching in schools, underpinning local charities, achieving business success, or quietly getting on with the business of caring for others.

"We want to hear about as many of them as possible so that we can make one of them Boltonian of the Year, and let everyone know the positive things that people can achieve."

Entry forms and ticket details can be obtained from the Mayor's Office at Bolton Town Hall, call 01204-331057. Entries close on Wednesday, April 7.