THE yuletide season is once again open us, and as the festivities get underway, it is time to begin the annual search for Sidmouth s Citizen of the Year. Sidmouth Rotary Club is once more working in conjunction with the Herald to launch the competition a

THE yuletide season is once again open us, and as the festivities get underway, it is time to begin the annual search for Sidmouth's Citizen of the Year.

Sidmouth Rotary Club is once more working in conjunction with the Herald to launch the competition and open the nominations for the 2008 title.

Arthur Passey, co-ordinator of the competition for Sidmouth Rotary, said: "It will usually be someone who is dedicated to working in a private capacity or for charity.

"We have had people from all walks of life in the past and people should nominate whoever they think is a worthy candidate. It is someone whose work deserves recognition."

Established in 1985, the competition is a chance to give recognition to the town's unsung heroes and is open to anyone who has made a significant contribution to life around the town.

In 2007 alone Arthur said his club received 22 various nominations.

The 2007 Citizen of the Year was David John Baldock. David, together with his wife, Mavis, has worked tirelessly for many years giving his time and energy supporting many local and national charities. The 2006 Citizen of the Year was Bill Lankester, M.B.E., and for 2005 the award went to Chris Dunford who was the driving force behind the junior section of Sidmouth Rugby Club.

Readers can nominate candidates for their contribution to the town's community using the nomination form, which will be printed in the Herald each week until Friday, January 30, 2009.

Photocopied forms/tokens will not be accepted.

Completed forms should be sent in encelopes marked 'Citizen of the Year 2008' to: Sidmouth Herald, 106 High Street, Sidmouth EX10 8EF.

The closing date for nominations is Wednesday, February 4, 2009.