THERE is still time to get your nominations in for this year's South Wales Argus /Calor Gas Restaurant of the Year Competition.

We want readers to choose their favourite restaurant in Gwent from a choice of four categories: pub; hotel; traditional (including Italian) and Far Eastern (which comprises Chinese, Indian, Thai, Mexican and all other ethnic cuisine).

But you have to hurry - the closing date for final votes is Monday, September 24.

So if you have a favourite restaurant that you think deserves to be rewarded for its excellent food, impeccable service or unique ambience then now is your chance to show your appreciation.

Calor Gas is sponsoring the event and if you nominate the winner of a special 'Alfresco' category for best outside dining/entertainment area, your name will go into a draw and you could win a domestic patio heater.

The finalists will be announced in the Argus on Wednesday, October 3. A panel of judges will then visit every restaurant short-listed and choose a winner for each category later in the year.

Tom Zsigo, pictured, owner of The Lion Inn, Trellech, which won the competition's pub restaurant of the year last year, said: "Winning has been wonderful for trade and we get new people phoning us up after seeing the pub in the paper, asking where we are. It also reinforces our belief in what we are doing and that we are the best place to eat." This year sees the 10th anniversary of the competition.

Chris Evans, senior controller of entertainment at the Argus, said: "We have had a fabulous response with over 300 hundred entries received by post and 50 telephone nominations."

To enter, simply fill in the entry form which appears every day in the Argus or telephone through your nomination by calling 0906 6166048 (Calls will be charged at 60p per minute).