Searching for Golden Wonders Again

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 11th Jul 2006

The search is on again to find the city's hidden 'Golden Wonders', with the launch of a second competition to find inspirational people over the age of 55. Following a brilliant success last year, Milton Keynes Council is again joining forces with its partners to launch the second 'Golden Wonders' competition.

The aim of the city-wide competition is to find people over the age of 55 who are going the extra mile to improve life for their local communities, and themselves. Last year's event saw dozens of entries, and there were six winners, all receiving prize money to be spent on their favourite community project.

Golden Wonders supports the council's priority of "supporting people who need help to lead independent lives" and has grown out of work to develop the council's Quality of Life Strategy for Older People.

Kate Page, Corporate Director for Neighbourhood Services, said: We are looking for people who are dynamic and really make a difference and are an inspiration. Golden Wonders celebrates the contribution which older people make in their communities. It rewards the volunteering spirit. It encourages maintaining independent living, staying active and staying healthy."

Councillor Irene Henderson, Liberal Democrat cabinet member responsible for social care and older people, added: "We had some great entries last year and it was very uplifting to see that community spirit is alive and well - whatever your age.

"For very many people, being over 55 gives the time and opens up opportunities to do all sorts of things that they never did before - from helping in schools to sky diving!"

The categories for nominations are:

• An inspirational individual or couple over 55

• A community project that has contributed to improving the well-being of the over-55s

• An employer/business that has developed an innovative way of developing and including the older population and/or supported the development of the workplace for the over 55s

• A group of younger people which has made a contribution to supporting older people

An awards ceremony will be arranged later in the year, at which the overall winner will be awarded £500 to spend on their favourite community project.

Please contact Jane Reed on MK 253990 or Ann Green on MK 253041 if you would like to make a nomination. The closing date for nominations is 30th September 2006.