THE hunt is on for Dorset's crime-fighting heroes.

Now in their third year, the Dorset Justice Awards 2007 recognise outstanding work carried out by people working within Dorset's criminal justice system.

Anyone working for a criminal justice agency or volunteer working with victims, witnesses, defendants or offenders can be nominated.

This year's award categories will recognise exceptional work carried out in areas including caring for victims and witnesses, engaging local communities, commitment to diversity, working with offenders and for delivering an outstanding contribution to a criminal justice agency.

Rod Brummitt, who is chairman of the Dorset Criminal Justice Board, said: "The awards provide us with a great opportunity to say a special thank-you to those people who have made an exceptional contribution to delivering justice in Dorset.

"Every day across Dorset, our dedicated staff and volunteers are committed to delivering a service that makes a real difference to people's lives and this work deserves to be acknowledged and appreciated."

The nomination period runs until July 27 and all successful nominees will be invited to receive their awards at a ceremony at the Dorford Centre in Dorchester in October.

This is the third year that Dorset has held its annual justice awards.

Last year's overall winner for outstanding achievement went to Sgt Nikki Billington and Elaine Ryan for their work on Project Blitz.

This multi-agency initiative was aimed at cracking down on problem drinking in Dorset, with a strong focus on educating young people and their parents on the dangers of alcohol abuse.

Sgt Billington, who is Project Blitz co-ordinator, said: "Blitz is an excellent example of a wide range of statutory agencies and voluntary organisations coming together to tackle an extremely important issue. We were extremely proud to receive the overall achievement award at last year's Dorset Justice Awards."

All nominations received for this year's awards will be considered for entry into the National Justice Awards to be held in London later this year.

Last year Dorset Police's Bravo Bear scheme came runner-up at the National Justice Awards ceremony for its work in caring for victims of road traffic accidents.

Sgt Steve Quill, of the Road Policing Unit, said: "We are very proud that the Bravo Bear scheme reached the final three nominations in the National Justice Awards.

"PC Vivienne Bedford, the instigator of the scheme, has worked hard to ensure that it maintains an important link between vulnerable victims or witnesses of road traffic accidents and the traffic officer."

To nominate or find out more about the awards phone 01202 498821.