OLDER employees fighting discrimination in the workplace and companies challenging stereotypical views on age are being lined up to scoop top awards.

The Wiltshire Times has this week joined forces with the Age Positive scheme to endorse and promote the benefits of age diversity in the workplace.

On Monday the Department for Work and Pensions announced the launch of this year's Age Positive awards.

The scheme rewards workers and companies fighting back against age discrimination, which is the largest form of prejudice at work.

Toby Granville, editor of the Wiltshire Times, said: "I would encourage organisations to support this scheme.

"Here at the Wiltshire Times we judge individuals on their skills and ability, recognising the value they bring to the company, and not the age appearing on their birth certificate."

Individuals can enter if they have challenged age issues at work or persevered and won a position irrespective of their years.

Awards for companies are also up for grabs for organisations which demonstrate positive attitudes or remove age barriers at work.

Stars including Sir Trevor McDonald, Angela Rippon and Sir Alex Ferguson are helping raise the profile of fighting back against age discrimination.

Newcastle United football manager, Sir Bobby Robson, said: "I support the Age Positive campaign because I believe you can always offer something whatever age you might be.

"I'm just as good at my job at 70 as I was when I was in my forties, in fact I have probably got even more to offer now."

Both individual and company winners will receive their prize trophy and certificate at a national awards ceremony in London in June.

Company winners will be able to use the Age Positive Award 2004 logo and one overall winner will also be presented the Outstanding Achievement Award.

Entries explaining reasons for nomination should be no longer than 500 words for employees and 1,000 words for companies and must arrive before May 21.

For a copy of the application forms email hrobinson@newswilts.co.uk

To find out more about Age Positive visit www.

agepositive.gov.uk