Our search to find Bedford's unsung heroes continues this week.

Last week the Times and Citizen, in partnership with Bedford Borough Council, launched the 2010 Pride in Bedford awards to recognise those outstanding members of the community.

And our first nomination is footballing ace George Thorne who plays for West Bromwich Albion as well as the England under-18s team, for the Young Achiever category.

In June the Times and Citizen reported how he was part of the winning side in England's under 17s European Championships victory.

George, 17, from Chaucer Road, Bedford, cited his former teacher Russell Suter at Biddenham Upper School as one of his inspirational teachers.

Mr Suter said: "George was a good lad, he was no real trouble at school. Football was his priority and sometimes he found it frustrating that school distracted from that, but we allowed him two days out every week to concentrate on football.

"To be named as an inspirational teacher is an honour. It's the reason you go into teaching.

"I think he would make a very worthy winner for a Pride in Bedford award as he is a role model and we certainly have him on a pedestal here in Biddenham."

George, who still comes back to Bedford at weekends, is now back for pre-season training with West Brom after a summer break, and hopes to progress tinto the first team.

Mr Suter added: "He was a great lad to teach at school. He was obviously a very talented footballer, which we noticed very early on."

Keep your nominations coming in.

Click here to see how to enter.