WINNERS: Tour de France team – York

When considering the nominations for Community Pride, the judges occasionally feel that a Significant Achievement Award should be given - to recognise remarkable people and outstanding work that falls outside the regular categories, but nonetheless deserves our praise and thanks.

In July this year, the eyes of the world were on York. With the world’s most watched sporting event on its way, it was York’s moment to shine. This year the Significant Achievement award recognises a very special group of dedicated public servants who were brought together to coordinate the Tour de France's visit to York.

The team was in charge of organising the Yellow Bikes that invaded the city, and turned their hands to everything from banners and bunting, to spectator hubs, looking after dignitaries, traffic management and safety.

During the build up to the Tour this team also faced two very difficult situations when they lost two of their colleagues. Graham Hodgson died in September 2013 and Helen Ridge passed away in June 2014. Both Helen and Graham played a big part in getting ready for the Tour, and they were fondly remembered at the awards ceremony.

Communities across York rose to the challenge of the Tour de France and all helped put York on the world stage. This award was given in recognition of the team who played such a crucial part of that outstanding effort.

Receiving their prize, the team paid tribute to Graham and Helen, who they said would "never be forgotten."

They said the mammoth task of organising the Tour's visit to York was a "true team effort", spoke of their joy at seeing their hard work pay off with a weekend of unprecedented scenes across York, and praised the legacy which has seen more and more people inspired to get on their bikes and improve their health.