WINNER: Eunice Cooper

Runners-up: Johnny Hayes, Phil Wiggins, Celia Crampton.

The highlight of the awards evening this year, as with every year, was the announcement of the Community Pride Person of the Year.

Four inspirational people were shortlisted in this category - which recognises the very best that York has- and each one does a tremendous amount of hard work to make York the very special place it is.

Shopkeeper Johnny Hayes is a driving force in the Bishopthorpe Road Traders Association and was responsible for the legendary Pexton’s hardware shop before moving on to the equally popular Frankie and Johnny’s cookware shop. Bishopthorpe Road’s success as a high street has much to thank this powerhouse of a businessman for.

Among the other nominees was star parent Celia Crampton, a rock and a support to her family, and fundraising hero Phil Wiggins.

But it was Eunice Cooper’s lifelong dedication to her community which made her a very deserving Person of the Year.

Receiving the award, Eunice said she had dedicated every moment she could to raising money for good causes.

"I just can't believe I have won this award. I know I have done fundraising for a lot of years, but what I have done I have always done for other people."

She added: "You have got to do something in life, and if I can do something to help other people, I will."

For decades, Eunice has raised large amounts of cash for charities and the events she organises have become important days in Haxby’s social calendar, and this year she has already been awarded the Freedom of Haxby.

Eunice has made the community of Haxby her life’s work, and the judges said they were proud to recognise the selflessness and dedication of a person who has done much to make York great.