DEDICATED health professionals have been praised by a company sponsoring an award designed to recognise their heroism.

The Hungate York development, a joint venture between developers Lendlease and Evans Property Group, are backing the health service hero category in the 2016 Community Pride awards.

Richard Cook, head of Residential at Lendlease, said: “We are extremely proud to be sponsoring this award, as it recognises those individuals who continually go out of their way to help others and improve their community.

“All nominations are inspiring and should be praised for their phenomenal contribution and effort, night and day, towards the Yorkshire community.

“These individuals go above and beyond every day to provide the care our community needs.”

Nominations will be accepted until the closing date of Friday, July 15, and the winner unveiled at our ceremony at York Racecourse in October.

Mr Cook added: “The health service is a national institution and a cornerstone of community life. This is a great opportunity to formally recognise its importance and those within it that go the extra mile.

“As a developer, community is at the heart of everything we do.

“We are currently creating a brand new community at Hungate and our involvement in these local awards is an ideal way for us to support and celebrate the people that make York the place it is.

“These awards in particular aim to recognise those who can slip under the radar, and reward them for their continued diligent outlook of the wider community.”

Last year’s winner was District Nurse Hannah Thorpe.

Mrs Thorpe was recognised for the “outstanding care and support” she provided to a terminally-ill patient and his family at home during his final days.

She repeatedly went to see the patient and stayed for two hours after her shift finished to make sure the man was comfortable.

The awards are run in partnership with city of York council and the primary sponsor is Benenden.

All nominees must live in, or contribute to life in the City of York Council area.

About 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.