RESIDENTS were last night urged to make sure the unsung heroes in their street were nominated for Blackburn with Darwen’s ‘Good Neighbour Awards’ before Monday’s deadline.

With just four days to go, Jack Straw said: “Don’t let them miss out.”

After a surge of applications, the scheme has seen three dozen unsung borough heroes put forward for the awards.

Many communities are represented with good neighbours of all ages nominated.

As last year, a final flood of names is expected.

One of the latest nominations is a teenager who took over looking over a nearby resident with Alzheimer’s off his own back after his full-time carer fell ill.

Part of the borough council’s Your Call initiative, this is the second year they have taken place with more than 70 nominations in 2013.

They aim to celebrate all those that quietly make the community a friendly place to live and work.

Blackburn MP Mr Straw said: “These awards celebrate the borough’s unique community spirit. You have four days left to nominate your unsung heroes. Don’t let them miss out.”

Council leader Kate Hollern said “I look forward to looking through the nominations we have received. Some of their stories are truly heart-warming and make me proud to belong to Blackburn with Darwen”

“The important thing is they recognise people who give their time to the community and expect nothing in return. They are the people who keep the community together.”

The awards are sponsored by a range of organisations.

Seven great prizes are on offer including a match day meal for two at Ewood Park, a meal at Mellor’s Stanley House Hotel, a weekend break in Blackpool, a meal at The Pack in Belthorn, and The Mall Blackburn shopping vouchers.

The deadline for entries is midnight on Monday.

If you wish to nominate someone, use the application in the paper, go to www.blackburn.gov.uk or ring 01254 585181.