DEDICATED volunteers, talented sports stars, heroic lifesavers and committed teachers will all be recognised in this year’s York Community Pride Awards.

The 2017 gongs will recognise all of the above and more as we once again celebrate York’s unsung heroes.

Featuring categories for individuals and groups, the awards honour children and young people, volunteers, teachers, fundraisers, public sector workers and community groups.

The search is now on for the people who go the extra mile to make a difference to others in our community, without thought for personal recognition or reward.

>>> FLASHBACK: 36 photos from the 2016 awards night

From today, people can start nominating their friends, family, or neighbours they believe deserve recognition for their out-of-the-ordinary achievements.

Perry Austin-Clarke, editor of The Press, said: “There is an astonishing number of people quietly working behind the scenes across the York district to make life easier for others less fortunate than themselves.

“They do so selflessly, without any thought of thanks or reward, no matter how much they deserve it.

“These volunteers should have their moment in the limelight so that others can be inspired by their efforts and join them in helping to provide the glue that holds our community together.

“That’s what The Press Community Pride Awards are all about and we hope to be able to tell many of their fabulous stories in the weeks and months to come.”

Last year’s winners included Ian Donaghy, who was crowned Person of the Year after organising a number of successful fundraising and community events throughout the year.

Sue Cordell was named Teacher of the Year for her work teaching children at Millthorpe School for more than 25 years and was honoured as a valuable asset to the next generation of teachers.

Youngsters from All Saints RC School’s Action Minds won the Spirit of Youth category. The group helps pupils at school struggling with their mental health and offers them support and advice.

This year’s awards will again include those three categories as well as Public Sector Hero, Charity Fundraiser of the Year, Child of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Health Service Hero, Sporting Hero, Good Neighbour of the Year, School of the Year and Best Community Project.

The awards are run in partnership with City of York Council and the primary sponsor is York-based healthcare organisation Benenden.

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

Entries can be submitted to York Community Pride Awards, The Press, 84-86 Walmgate, York YO1 9YN. You can also nominate online at yorkpress.co.uk/ communitypride.

The closing date for entries is Friday, July 21.

You must include a supporting statement of no more than two sides of A4 with each nomination, and may include a picture, which unfortunately we will be unable to return.