The search is on for the Candis Outstanding Family of the Year 2009!

If you know a family that has worked together as a team to make a difference at home, in their community or further afield, then best-selling women’s monthly magazine Candis wants to hear from you!

The award, which is designed to celebrate the achievements of families in Britain today, will recognise families in six different regions as well as one overall winner.

These will be chosen by a panel of four judges: TV presenter Lorraine Kelly, founder of ChildLine, TV presenter and writer Esther Rantzen, actress Amanda Redman and 'supermum' Birdie McDonald, who has fostered more than 1,000 children.

2008's Outstanding Family, the Murrays from Fife in Scotland receive their award from Candis editor Debbie Attewell and Managing Director Andrew Douglas.

What the judges have to say:

Lorraine Kelly, TV presenter and mother to Rosie:

'There’s so much to be said for families working together to make a difference. It not only benefits society as a whole but also strengthens bonds within the family itself. I can’t wait to read the entries, although I’m sure there’ll be a few tears!'

Esther Rantzen, founder of ChildLine, TV presenter, writer and mother to Emily, Rebecca and Joshua:

'I applaud Candis for creating this award, it’s about time we recognised the unsung heroes of our society and celebrated them in style. I think it’s going to be a tough one to judge, but I’ll do my best!'

Amanda Redman, actress and mother to Emily:

'There are so many families out there who’ve faced adversity or have had to deal with illness, tragedy or life-changing circumstances, yet they’ve turned the experience into something good. These families have my total admiration and I will be honoured to read their stories.'

Birdie McDonald, who has fostered more than 1,000 children:

'I always say that if more families worked together for the greater good, this world would be a much happier place. So when I heard about this award I was very excited, and even more delighted to be invited to be a judge!'

The grand prize

All finalists will be invited to a presentation tea party at the award-winning Chester Zoo on 23 August 2009.

Each will receive £250 and a fabulous Candis goodie bag while the overall winner will enjoy a fantastic full-board four-star family holiday to the Costa Dorada in Spain, including flights, accommodation and theme park tickets courtesy of First Choice.

How to nominate

Nominations are open from 23 April and end on 23 June 2009

To nominate your Outstanding Family or one that you know, simply describe the family’s highs, lows, achievements and ultimate goals in less than 500 words and email it to: familyaward@candis.co.uk, log onto www.candis.co.uk/familyaward or post to:
Outstanding Family of the Year Award, Candis, Newhall Publications, Newhall Lane, Hoylake, Merseyside CH47 4BQ.

Please include the names and ages of everyone involved, where they live, your email address and a daytime contact number

For more information on the Candis Outstanding Family of the Year award log on to www.candis.co.uk/familyaward

About Candis magazine

Candis is a best-selling, subscription-only women's magazine.

Since launching in 1962, Candis has donated £52m to various charities and local community projects.

It donates ten percent of all subscription income to health charities like Marie Curie Cancer Care, the British Heart Foundation, Children's Hospices
UK, Tommy’s the Baby Charity and BLISS.