WHO WILL be crowned Evening Times Scotswoman of the Year 2013?

The search for this year's winner begins today - and we want to hear who you think should pick up the prestigious award.

Who are the women in your community who make life better for others?

It could be your next door neighbour or someone in your family.Maybe you want to pay tribute to a business leader, or even a famous face you feel deserves recognition for the work they do.

It might be someone who tirelessly campaigns for a cause close to her heart, or someone who has overcome tragedy in her own life to help others.

Perhaps you have been impressed by a woman who has made an incredible contribution to society in Scotland.

Evening Times editor Tony Carlin said: "Our previous SWOTYs vary in age and background, but they are all hard-working, selfless, inspirational individuals who put others first.

"We know there are many women out there who deserve this award, and I am looking forward to hearing all about them."

The 2013 Scotswoman Of The Year will be crowned at a spectacular dinner in Glasgow City Chambers on Thursday, February 13.

Event sponsor St Enoch Centre is back on board and general manager Anne Ledgerwood is delighted to be supporting the event once more.

She said: " A great deal of excellent work is being carried out in our local communities by caring, committed women who want to help those less fortunate than themselves. By its very nature, much of this work goes unrecognised.

"That's why the Evening Times Scotswoman of the Year Awards are so highly valued and respected - they give recognition to the selfless efforts of individuals who can be extremely proud of the contribution they make to society."

To nominate, email lyndsay.wilson@heraldandtimes.co.uk or visit our website, www.eveningtimesevents.com/scotswoman - or email swoty@eveningtimes.co.uk.

Nominations close on Friday, December 20 - so don't miss out on the chance to tell us who you want to win.

Previous title holders include Maureen McKenna, from Scotstoun, who battled back from alcoholism and depression to set up the Open Door Trust for Glasgow's homeless people, drug addicts and alcoholics, and Eileen McKiernan, who founded the Meningitis Association of Scotland after her teenage son died of the disease.

Last year's winner, the youngest ever woman to hold the title, was 22-year-old burns survivor and charity fundraiser Erin McNeill.

Erin, from Menstrie in Clackmannanshire, nearly died in a fire which left her with horrific burns to her arms, chest and legs, and severely damaged vocal cords.

Determined to change perceptions of 'beauty', she entered and won beauty pageant titles in the US, Portugal, France and Jamaica, including Miss United Nation International.

Erin raised more than £100,000 to help firefighters' charities in tribute to the men and women who rescued her and saved her life.

Last year she won a British Red Cross Humanitarian Citizen award for her inspirational work with young people.

"Winning SWOTY was amazing," she said. "It helped me raise awareness of the causes I support through my fundraising. I'm really looking forward to the 2013 event. It's such an honour to be surrounded by so many incredible women."