BARRY's biggest and brightest community competition is off to a flying start with nominations already flooding in.

This year's Citizen of the Year competition is proving just as popular as ever as family, friends and colleagues put forward special people they think deserve recognition.

One such hero is Bev Hopkins, the special needs co-ordinator at Palmerston Primary School.

She was nominated by the Disability Sport Cymru Development Officer in the Vale of Glamorgan Council, Karen Davies, who says that Bev goes above and beyond the call of duty for the children in her care.

Karen told the News: "Bev is the school's Dragon Sports Organiser, which involves providing extra-curricular sports clubs for the pupils.

Bev has been responsible for securing over £1000-worth of sports equipment for these after-school clubs, which she runs.

It is evident from our work with Bev that she is totally committed to giving both disabled and non-disabled pupils the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of participating in sport, for example socialising, increased confidence and healthy living."

Karen added: "You only have to observe her interacting with the children to understand the joy that she brings and the obvious delight the children have being in her presence."

Bev said: "This is a total surprise to me and I'm delighted to have been nominated. I look forward to the seeing the outcome of the competition."

Bev Hopkins joins the other candidates in the Citizen of the Year competition, run by the Barry and District News, Dow Corning and Barry Town Council in conjunction with Safeway and Dan Evans.

n If you want to nominate someone, pick up a form from the Barry and District News office, 156, Holton Road and drop it into the Mayor of Barry, Barry Town Council, 7, Gladstone Road.

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