HARD-working health workers in Winchester and Eastleigh are to be rewarded for their efforts through a new Achievement Award scheme.

Staff are being encouraged to nominate a deserving person or team working for the Winchester and Eastleigh Healthcare NHS Trust.

The awards are for clinical and non-clinical staff at all levels of the organisation.

The categories are outstanding individual, improving working lives team, improving patient care team, innovation team and volunteer award.

Winners will be given up to £500 for team awards and £100 for individual awards in bonus bonds that can be spent in many high street shops.

Trust chair, Barbara North, who is on the judging panel, said: "The Achievement Awards will be the Trust's opportunity to say thank you to the staff who go out of their way to make things better for patients and colleagues. Nominated by each other the awards will give them the recognition they deserve."