THE hunt is on for the best employee in the area and a once in a lifetime trip to Las Vegas is on offer for the lucky, and deserving, winner.

Employers and members of the public are free to nominate whoever they feel deserves to be recognised for their exceptional contribution to the workplace and customer service in the tenth annual Trowbridge Employee of the Year contest.

Steve Oborne, regional director of main sponsor Travail Employment Group, said: "Each year we have run it the competition has got better and better and we want to ensure the tenth year is the best yet."

The aim of the event is not only to recognise the important role employees play in the local economy but to highlight the awareness and importance of good customer service and the diversity of local businesses.

It is also an opportunity for businesses to promote themselves and what they offer to the town.

The event is also sponsored by the Wiltshire Times.

Editor Andy Sambidge said: "This event is very important to the local business community and is a chance to show what a range of good companies we have in the town as well as to reward the dedicated employees without whom no firm could survive.

"The Wiltshire Times is very pleased to be sponsoring the event and I am looking forward to being on the judging panel and hearing the finalists' presentations."

Joining Mr Sambidge and Mr Oborn on the final judging panel will be Richard Roberts from Virgin Mobile, Liz Stephenson, Trowbridge Job Centre and Liz Mason of Nutricia.

Before reaching the final the nominees will have to make the shortlist and then be interviewed by the judging panel.

The final will be held at Trowbridge Civic Hall on November 23, with BBC weather presenter Penny Tranter as guest speaker and Trowbridge town crier Trevor Heeks as master of ceremonies. The final interviews will be conducted by BBC Radio Wiltshire's Heather Skull.

The winner will get a trip for two to Las Vegas, with the runner-up receiving a luxury weekend for two in the UK.

The winner's employer will also get £500 of free advertising in the Wiltshire Times.

The closing date for nominations is September 16 and completed nomination forms can be returned to the Wiltshire Times offices, 15 Duke Street, Trowbridge, BA14 8ef.

See this week's Wiltshire Times for the Trowbridge Employee of the Year nomination form