A SELFLESS community hero from York has been nominated for recognition for his hard work to help others.

Peter Swann, chairman of York Railway Institute (RI) football team, has been nominated for both the Volunteer of the Year and Sporting Hero categories in The Press's Community Pride awards.

His name has been put forward by Yvette Shepherd, RI secretary, who said Peter was the sort of man who is there for everyone.

"He does a lot of work behind the scenes," she said.

Peter has been involved with the RI for around 11 years after his daughter Lou volunteered him to help coach in 2003. He has been head of the girls football section since 2004 and chairman of the RI for both seniors and juniors section for five years.

In 2010, the RI was awarded the FA Charter Standard Club Award programme for clubs that are "well run, sustainable and place child protection, quality coaching and safety paramount".

Today, thanks to the hard work of Peter and fellow volunteers, the RI is on the verge of their next milestone and is hoping to receive the prestigious FA's Community Club Award which few clubs achieve.

The girls' section he heads has gone from strength to strength with six teams, including an open age ladies team for the first time this season. The under 14 girls won the trophy in the Blackpool 7s tournament last year and earlier this year.

Peter said he was "pleased but totally shocked" to be nominated for the award. He credits his success to the support of players, parents and the rest of the committee and volunteers.

The Press wants to receive nominations for community heroes who deserve their moment in the spotlight.

Nominees to the Community Pride awards, which are sponsored by Benenden Health, must live in the City of York Council area or make a contribution to life in the city. Three finalists from each category will be invited to the awards ceremony at York Racecourse in October, when the winners will be revealed.

For more information or to make a nomination go to www.yorkpress.co.uk/pride, or nominations can be posted to Paula Homer, PA to the editor, The Press, 76-86 Wa lmgate, York YO1 9YN before Friday, July 18, with details including a supporting statement of no more than two sides of A4 with each nomination. You may also include a picture, which unfortunately we will be unable to return.