THE Argus has received its first nominations for the Extra Mile Awards.

Newport City Council and the South Wales Argus are again calling on city residents to nominate people and organisations who have gone the “extra mile”.

Like last year, the council wants to hail the achievements, dedication and bravery of citizens at a special ceremony in February.

Colin Baker, the chairman of the trustees of the Newport charity Bettws in Bloom, has nominated Jean Murphy and Susan Baker for the awards.

Mrs Murphy and Mrs Baker, from Bettws, are trustees of the charity.

Mr Baker explained how Mrs Murphy and Mrs Baker were heavily involved in the centre's Ryder Cup Community Garden.

Mr Baker said it was because of them that the garden opened in September for the benefit of Bettws residents.

This led to the charity winning the It's Your Neighbourhood Award 2010 for the whole of the UK and was presented to Mrs Murphy and Mrs Baker in Anglesey.

Mr Baker said the two volunteers work at Bettws in Bloom every day and even helped the local scouts this year with its Christmas post scheme by helping to deliver the post in the snow.

Mr Baker said: "These ladies are without doubt inspirational and I only wish more people in Newport were as dedicated to caring for the community as these two wonderful ladies."

The next awards evening will be held on February 24 at the Hilton Hotel, Langstone.

To nominate someone send brief details of the reason why they are an “unsung hero”; their contact details (including a phone number) and your name and contact details to Laura Doel, South Wales Argus, Cardiff Road, Maesglas, Newport NP20 3QN.

All nominations must be received by Friday, January 28.