WINNER: Dan Shrimpton

Runners-up: Sarah, Jessica and Hannah Stone, Helen Hoult

Our panel found this one of the most difficult categories to judge, and they commended Sarah Stone and her daughters Jessica and Hannah for the incredible contribution they have together made to Brownie groups in York.

Helen Hoult also drew praise because, although she’s already a dedicated volunteer at Holgate Windmill Preservation Society, this year she also took on the challenge of saving the much-loved West Bank Park Summer Fayre. Without Helen’s determination it would have folded and left many local charities without an important fundraising opportunity.

But it was Dan Shrimpton’s efforts that really caught the judges' attention. His nomination said he first visited Joseph Rowntree Theatre in a carry cot, and it obviously made an impression because Dan now spends every spare moment running the theatre and tributes have poured in to the talent he dedicates to the much-loved venue.

Receiving the award, Dan said he dedicates his time so selflessly to the theatre - which plays a very important role for amateur theatre and smaller professional theatre companies in York - because it is "just a fun place to be."