A HEARTWARMING project to find the friendliest people in the country is getting a pretty cool response here in Weymouth.

It seems that resort residents are frowning on smiles and are down in the dumps rather than up for a good time.

In fact the seaside town, so proud of its sunshine record, seems more intent on being gloomy according to its response so far to the new initiative.

The project is being run by Luton First, a consortium of companies based in the Bedfordshire town.

First spokesman Tony Edwards said just one nomination has been received from the whole of Weymouth so far.

Having said that, the rest of the country is not faring much better.

There have been just two nominations from nearby Bournemouth and Bolton is currently leading the way with a paltry nine responses so far.

Mr Edwards said the initiative, dubbed the Hand of Friendship awards, aims at turning the spotlight on friendly people all over Britain.

Nominations for a person have to come from a third party and it seems the fast pace of friendship is failing to get out of first gear - particularly in Weymouth.

Mr Edwards said: "We did the same awards last year and got a much better response although it is still early days for 2008.

"There was a last minute rush in 2007 and we are hoping that the same thing will happen this year."

Mr Edwards said he thought part of the problem with people's reluctance to come forward and nominate others was that it required effort.

He said: "Unfortunately we are a society of button pushers and making a nomination does require a bit of effort to fill out an entry, but we would urge the people of Weymouth to try their best."

First's Patricia Murchie added: "The news is so often dominated by disharmony, tensions and crime but there is, of course, another picture.

"It's a very different picture of people helping each other in the true traditions of genuine friendship and we want to hear about these people."

Regional winners from all over the country will receive a commemorative Certificate of Friendship.

They will then go forward to the national final, where they will have a chance to win an engraved crystal trophy.

Send you nominations for the friendliest people to: Hand of Friendship, University of Bedfordshire, Park Square, Luton, LU1 3JU.

Alternatively, call 01932 336161 or email tonyedwards@anthony-edwards-publicity.co.uk.