THE high standard of nominations for this year’s Community Pride Awards has continued.

Although entries for the awards have now closed, Colin Lea, of Markham Street, York, was nominated before the deadline for Volunteer Of The Year by David Darton, for his 30 years of work with the British Red Cross and scouting, which he fits in around his full-time job as an NHS carer.

As a long-distance runner, he has raised hundreds of pounds for various charities, including the National Autism Charity.

He ran two marathons in two days in Finland and Germany this month to raise money for North Yorkshire Fire and Emergency Support Service.

David said: “I do not know anyone who overall gives as much of his spare time as Colin does to contributing to the community and people’s wellbeing.”

Claudia Shaw, 16, has nominated her grandfather and guardian Henry Wright, 86, from Heworth, for Parent Of The Year.

Claudia moved in with her grandparents when she was five, and she said they helped her become the person she is today.

She said: “He never complains! He always makes sure I leave the house with a smile on his face and is forever making jokes with everyone he meets.

“He has recently gone into hospital and I feel as if I want to give him something back to thank him for all the hard work he has put in to raising a moody teenage girl!

“He really is such an amazing, caring, funny person and I honestly don’t know where or what I could be doing now if it wasn’t for him.

“He is honestly one of the best people that I know and many other people would think the same.”

Eileen Raynor has been nominated for Charity Fundraiser Of The Year by Tina Warriner for her regular rock and roll charity nights around York.

The events have raised hundreds of pounds for various charities already this year, including IDAS, Stalight and Oxfam.

Tina said: “She is a very kind, warm person and works tirelessly to keep people smiling.

“I nominate Eileen not just because she has raised money for charities, but also for her achievements in keeping people active.

Everyone who goes to Eileen’s is always made to feel so welcome and I’m sure she will be responsible for decreasing obesity, heart problems, and cholesterol and increasing peoples’ social wellbeing, health and happiness.”