A DEVOTED fundraiser and winner of a top Community Pride award has encouraged others to nominate deserving York residents.

Eunice Cooper, 2014’s Person of the Year, picked up the award for her tireless charity work and decades of dedication to fundraising in Haxby.

And while she admits winning a prize for something she had always done came as a huge surprise to her, she was honoured to receive it and has called on everyone to recognise the hard work of others by nominating someone for this year’s awards, run jointly by The Press and City of York Council.

The 82-year-old said: “The award was something I never expected to receive. It was a great honour to be given it and even when we were at the Racecourse event I didn’t think I would win.

"I would encourage anyone to put people forward because to be shortlisted and go to the racecourse ceremony was one of the most fantastic evenings.”

Eunice says her award takes pride of place in her living room and the recognition has placed her firmly in the spotlight around Haxby, where she is preparing herself for her first public speaking engagement.

She added: “It was a very special year. It was a great honour to win, especially with it being in the same year I got the freedom of Haxby.

“I’ve got a full year’s fundraising programme planned for Martin House Children’s Hospice and as I’m a member of the Mother’s Union at Haxby Church they have asked me to speak about voluntary work.”

Last year’s winner of the Sporting Hero award, Ian Hotchkies, devoted 40 years to refereeing and helping others rise to the top of their game.

All nominees must live in, or contribute to life in, the City of York Council area. Around three finalists from each category will be invited to the awards ceremony at York Racecourse in October, when the winners will be revealed.

You can make a nomination online at yorkpress.co.uk/communitypride/. Entries must be submitted by Friday, July 17.