TWO kind-hearted volunteers have been nominated for a Community Pride for organising numerous projects.

Portakabin staff Mick Stone and John Clarke have used their skills to benefit the community, including organising the construction of a new play area for Huntington Pre-School after the previous one was ruined by floods.

They also supported Haxby Road Primary School with their outdoor play area, building a mud kitchen, soft play area and water features, as well as getting help from colleagues to build a secluded area for autistic children.

The two men helped re-generate the Tang Hall Allotment, including making planters, painting, planning and restoring two old Portakabin buildings for children to use.

On top of all this, the pair often give presentations and craft case studies in order to encourage others in the business to volunteer.

They both put in many hours a week into their volunteering, with Mick arriving into work at 5.30am and dedicating two hours to organising all the activities before his day begins.

John often works late on a Friday and during his holidays to support the projects.

They were nominated for a Volunteer of the Year award together by a work colleague, Cleo Preston, who said: “Without the enthusiasm, commitment and skills which Mick and John have, many of the wider voluntary projects at Portakabin would not be possible.

“They both go above and beyond to support the community in whichever way they can.”

Mick said: “I feel very humbled to be nominated.

“Both John and myself got involved with projects to help local schools about 18 months ago starting at Tang Hall Primary School to develop their allotment.

“It is so sad that the schools get very little funding and any help we can give to put a smile on the faces of the children is the only reward we need.”

The Community Pride awards are run by The Press and City of York Council, and the principal sponsor is Benenden.

All nominees must live in, or contribute to the life in the City of York Council area.

About three finalists from each category will be invited to the awards ceremony at York Racecourse in October, when the winners will be revealed.