DO you know someone who has gone the extra mile to help others? A child who has faced up to life’s challenges with courage? Or someone who makes an outstanding contribution to amateur sport?

Now you have the chance to give them the recognition they deserve by nominating them for a Community Pride Award which celebrates the people who go the extra mile to make York a better place to live.

Since 2004, The Press and City of York Council have been seeking to honour the unsung heroes of this city, who go to remarkable lengths to make a difference, without thought for personal recognition or reward.

Among the categories currently open for nomination are public sector hero, sporting hero, child of the year, best primary school project and community project.

Francine Clee, deputy editor of The Press, said: “We never cease to be amazed at the achievements of our Community Pride nominees. Their stories demonstrate all that is great about our city. They are not people who seek the limelight, but you can see how proud and how touched they are when their work is recognised by other people.

“I am sure many of our readers know somebody just like this, and we would love them to feature in the 2013 awards.

“I’d like to encourage everyone to speak up. Let’s give our unsung heroes the appreciation they deserve.”

Among the deserving winners last year, was 85-year-old Alan Smith, a popular and well-respected caretaker at Tang Hall School for 30 years, who received the public sector hero award. The judges said Norman was a role model “loved by children and staff who puts younger people to shame”.

Best community project went to the valuable work of volunteers at The Island to support vulnerable young people and best primary school project went to Dunnington CE School for its gardening challenge which brightened up the village of Dunnington.

The principal sponsor for the awards is Benenden Health, the York-based healthcare organisation.

Finalists will be invited to an awards dinner at the racecourse in October.

To make a nomination online visit yorkpress.co.uk/pride