JUST a few weeks until the closing date and one of the town's biggest and brightest competitions is in full swing.

Nominations for the Barry Citizen of the Year, which looks for unsung heroes, are flooding in.

This week disabled pensioner Sylvia Roberts has put her daughter Barbara Ryan forward.

The seventy-year old thinks she would be a worthy winner of the competition run by the Barry & District News, Barry Town Council and Dow Corning, in conjunction with Safeway and Dan Evans.

Sylvia says she has the best daughter in the world.

She told the News: "Barbara is incredible. Since she was a young girl, she's looked after us.

Whenever I came home, she had tea on the table, and all the housework and washing done."

Now 48, Barbara still looks after her family.

Sylvia, of Dyfan Road added: "Barbara has three sisters and two brothers.

One sister works with disabled adults and one brother has a heart complaint. Barbara always makes sure they are OK."

Caradoc Crescent resident Barbara has overcome problems herself.

Not long after she was born, she contracted TB.

And although she now has five children of her own, she actually gave birth to nine - four of whom died.

Sylvia added: "I've had a brain haemorrhage and my husband, Thomas, has had five minor strokes.

But Barbara not only looks her family, but anyone who needs help.

"She is one hundred percent genuine. She never gossips about people. No one has a daughter like her."

Barbara said: "I'm so touched. My mother didn't say a thing to me about it before nominating me, so it's a complete surprise."

You can still put forward that special person you think goes the extra mile.

Simply pick up a form at the Barry and District News office, 156, Holton Road and drop it to the Mayor of Barry, Barry Town Council, 7, Gladstone Road.

Or you can vote online at www.dowcorning.com/barry and click on the Citizen of the Year link.