THE search is now on for the Worcestershire Woman of the Year 2007.

Organisers are currently looking to find four special women who in their own way have made a difference to life in the area.

The results will be announced and the women honoured at a prestigious charity luncheon in aid of the county-based St Richard's Hospice, on July 12, 2007, in the grounds of The King's School, Worcester.

Women nominees must live or work in the county and to have excelled in one of four categories.

These are the business award, previously won by Droitwich Spa's Esther Ruggiero, the achievement award, voluntary award and employee award

The luncheon speaker will be Ruth Badger, the runner up on BBC television's The Apprentice.

Since the event began it has raised more than £240,000 for St Richard's Hospice.

The aim of the 2007 lunch is to celebrate women who excel in their chosen field and to raise £35,000 to support a specialist palliative care nurse in St Richard's new hospice. The hospice offers care and support for life limited patients and their families.

Nominations for the Women of the Year can be made by contacting Vivienne Hudson on 01905 792 811 or alternatively you can e-mail her at viv.hudson@hotelshopuk.com