THE owner and staff at a city centre cafe who "deserve a merit" for their support of Parkinson’s UK have been nominated for a Community Pride award.

The owner of Cafe Luca on Goodramgate, James Oldroyd, and his team were put forward for the Service with a Smile category for welcoming the York branch of Parkinson’s UK to their cafe.

This category recognises a York business which has demonstrated outstanding customer care and any charitable organisation that operates for the benefit of people in the city.

Ruth Hall put the nomination for James, 39, who has owned the cafe for two and a half years, forward. She said: “For a couple of years now we have run a drop in at Cafe Luca where you can sit for an hour or so just to relax.

“They have been so helpful and the staff are so welcoming and know that people cannot get about very well. They are always there to help.”

Members and carers of the Parkinson’s UK group meet once a month for an informal chat in the cafe, which was also nominated by Joan O’Reilly who said: “I am a carer of my husband who suffers from Parkinson’s disease and they could not be more helpful, caring and smiley when we meet.

“They deserve some recognition for all they do.”

Also nominated in the same category is the One Stop Shop on Heslington Road where staff have been praised for their efforts to "go over and above what is expected from them" for customers from a nearby rehabilitation centre for people with brain injuries.

The drivers of Streamline Taxis have also been recognised for their "marvellous service" and being a friend to disabled users, while "gem" of a shop, Yorkshire Soap Company, has also been nominated.

It is one of three group categories in the awards - the others going to the Primary School Project of the Year and Community Project of the Year.

Since the Community Pride awards launched in March nominations have flooded in to the Press’s offices speaking of the dedicated and inspirational people of York who give their time and energy to making life better for others.

The Community Pride awards are run by The Press and City of York Council, and sponsored by Benenden Health.

Nominees must live in the City of York Council area, or make a significant contribution to the city.

To make a nomination write to Paula Homer, PA to the editor, The Press, 76-86 Walmgate, 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.

Nominations can be made online at thepress.co.uk/pride