A CHARITABLE organisation is calling on people to recognise those who make a difference in their community.

York-based Joseph Rowntree Foundation is sponsoring Community Pride's Best Community Project award to reward the groups who consistently help less fortunate people or provide something different to residents.

Julia Unwin, chief executive of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, said: "Joseph Rowntree Foundation and Housing Trust is really pleased to be supporting the Best Community Project award.

"We are firmly rooted in the place these organisations are based, in the communities we are part of, within the City of York and beyond.

"So it is important to us to support local community development and encourage local groups and individuals as they take positive action.

"This award will help recognise the efforts of those making our communities stronger."

Last year's ceremony at York Racecourse saw Tour de Tang Hall take home the prize for their unique Grand Depart event.

Organisers were eager to bring a slice of the Tour De France to their streets, and celebrated the famous cycling race by taking part in activities around three different sites.

People were encouraged to "tour" each location to enjoy arts and crafts, face painting and a BBQ.

Dunnginton Cancer Support Group has already been nominated for this year's award.

The group was set up 46 years ago by residents in the village eager to raise money when the sister of a founding member died from the devastating illness.

One of the original members, Nancy Andrews, is still doing her bit today to rake in cash for York Against Cancer - the city's charity helping residents and their families affected by the illness.

Meanwhile, Pauline Buchanan was put forward for a Community Pride gong to recognise her efforts to revive St Clements' church hall, which now provides a home for a number of events in York.

Ms Buchanan, 70, was instrumental in bringing the run-down church hall back into use in 2010.

The Community Pride Awards are sponsored by Benenden and jointly run by The Press and City of York Council.

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 at yorkpress.co.uk/pride.

Entries can be submitted until Friday, July 17, when a judging panel will then pick a winner in each category.