AFTER two decades of involvement in York's community theatre, dedicated volunteer Dan Shrimpton is being honoured for his service to the musical, dramatic, and artistic life of York.

Dan, 38, is chair of the trustees at York's Joseph Rowntree Theatre and has been actively involved in the theatre since he joined as a young stage hand in 1993. Now he has been nominated for Community Pride's Volunteer of the Year award by his colleagues on the theatre's board, who said he is one of the most dedicated and passionate volunteers in York.

They added: "By his own admission, Dan can't sing, can't act, can't dance, but by gosh, if you can, he'll make sure that you've got the perfect place to do it."

As well as his board duties, Dan is one of the most experienced stage managers at the theatre and puts in hours of work helping the various voluntary groups who use the space prepare for and stage their productions.

They added: "Here's the main thing to know about why Dan deserves a proposal as Volunteer of the Year - he does it without any fuss of fanfare, does it for the love of the theatre, and all the while manages to keep calm, unruffled and thoroughly engaged with every single person with whom he comes into contact."

The Volunteer of the Year award has attracted dozens of nominations, including one for Sue Lister, who gives her time to countless organisations and initiatives in York.

Nominated by city councillor Fiona Fitzpatrick, Sue has been praised for the way she dedicates her time, energy and impressive drive International Women's Week events in York, The 50+ Festival, and the LGBT forum.

Also nominated is Dunnington woman Hilda Atkinson who can be seen out in the village all year round, come rain or shine, keeping the streets tidy.

Neighbours Ellen and Peter Lawrence have put Hilda forward and said: "We have noticed Hilda out in all weather cleaning, tidying, mowing, hoeing in the fields and under the hedges. She even clips low hanging branches off the trees and always finds time to stop and speak to everyone.

"She puts the younger generation to shame with her energy and community spirit."