UNBELIEVABLE volunteers, hardworking residents and awe-inspiring young people will all be recognised at the 2019 York Community Pride Awards.

The nominations are now open for the annual awards, which honour the city’s unsung heroes.

The awards are run in partnership with City of York Council and the main sponsor is York-based health insurance company Benenden Health.

The awards feature both individual and group categories in order to celebrate the dedicated fundraisers, public sector workers, teachers and community volunteers throughout the city.

The search is now on to find those people who have gone the extra mile to make a difference to the lives of others.

From today, residents can nominate people they believe deserve recognition for their remarkable achievements.

Stuart Martel, deputy editor of The Press, said: “There is an astonishing number of people working behind the scenes across the York area to make life easier for others less fortunate than themselves. They do so selflessly, without any thought of thanks or reward, no matter how much they deserve it.

“These volunteers should have their moment in the spotlight so that others can be inspired by their efforts and join them in helping to provide the glue that holds our community together.

“That’s what The Press Community Pride Awards are all about and we hope to be able to tell many of their inspirational stories over the coming weeks and months.”

Last year’s winners include Wes Jobling, who was handed the Spirit of Youth award for showing “the best side of human nature” as a volunteer at a project to feed the homeless.

The late Keith Chapman, a former chairman of the Nunnery Area Residents’ Association, was judged the winner of the Good Neighbour of the Year category, while Anne Platt, who recently retired as marketing and events manager at the Mansion House, scooped the Public Sector Hero award.

This year’s awards will again include those categories as well as prizes for Sporting Hero, York Community Pride Person of the Year, Best Community Project, School of the Year, Charity Fundraiser of the Year, Child of the Year, Teacher of the Year, Volunteer of the Year and and Health Service Hero.

All nominees must live in, or contribute to the community within the City of York Council area. Three finalists from each category will be invited to the awards ceremony at York Racecourse in October, when the winners will be revealed.

Entries can be posted to York Community Pride Awards, The Press, 84-86 Walmgate, York YO1 9YN. Or you can submit your nomination online by clicking here.

The closing date for entries is Friday, July 26. Nominations must include a supporting statement of no more than two sides of A4 with each entry and should include a photograph, which unfortunately we will be unable to return.