THEY save the lives of our loved ones on a daily basis and make their lives more comfortable in their moment of need.

Without them we would be lost but Southampton's hospital staff are often the unsung heroes after going that extra mile to look after partners, children and friends during their hour of need.

Today the Daily Echo is launching a campaign to recognise the efforts of doctors, nurses, midwives or any hospital staff that have gone beyond the call of duty to look after their patients.

We are asking readers to help us find and nominate hospital staff across Southampton who deserve recognition for some act of kindness that has helped you or a family member during their stay in hospital.

Any member of staff can be nominated, whether they are clinical or non-clinical. The only requirement is that they are employed by Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs Southampton General Hospital, Princess Anne Hospital, Countess Mountbatten House and the Royal South Hants Hospital.

The Hospital Heroes awards are being run in conjunction with Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust and winners nominated by the public will receive their awards at a special ceremony at the Rosebowl on January 10.

SUHT Chief Executive Mark Hackett said: "Our busy hospitals could not function without the hard work and dedication of our staff, who regularly go far beyond the call of duty to help patients, visitors and colleagues.

"I am delighted that some of our unsung heroes are to be featured in the Daily Echo and would encourage readers to write in with nominations to make sure that these special individuals get the recognition they deserve."

n To nominate a hospital worker send your nomination and contact details to Ash Bolton, Hospital Heroes, Southern Daily Echo, Newspaper House, Test Lane, Redbridge, Southampton SO16 9JX.

Alternatively email ash.bolton@dailyecho.co.uk with a couple of sentences stating the reason why you think your nominee deserves to be a Hospital Hero.

The closing date for nominations is January 3 so hurry up and get nominating.