AS a family business, honouring York's parents comes naturally to the team at Barnitts.

The city's independent homewares shop has sponsored Parent of theYear category The Press's Community Pride awards for the last three years now, and is supporting the scheme again this year.

The shop's general manager Chris Snowden said: "We are a family business and Paul, our MD, is a family man, so the Parent of the Year award is a good fit for us."

The award is for the "one in a million" parents who give their all to look after and support their families.

It aims to put the selfless mums and dads who always there for those who need them, and who their families be lost without, in the spotlight.

Last year, the award went to two dedicated parents whose families nominated them in thanks for years of love and care.

Winner Henry Wright, 86, of Stockton Lane, was nominated by his 16-year-old granddaughter Claudia, who he brought up from the age of five.

Sadly, Henry passed away at his home following a short illness just before the awards ceremony. Before he died, Henry was named as the winner after judges heard how he and his late wife provided a wonderful upbringing for Claudia.

Nominating Henry, Claudia described a cheery and funny father figure who she wanted to thank for “all the hard work he has put in to raising a moody teenage girl”.

Honoured beside him was loving mother of four Florence Lightfoot, of Wigginton. Florence, 92, cares devotedly for her son John, who has severe learning disabilities.

Judges said both were exceptional parents and unsung heroes who deserved recognition for the daily lengths they went to for their children and grandchildren.

Chris said team from Barnitts have been moved year after year by the incredible stories of family love and selflessness the Parent of the Year award has uncovered.

He said: "Really every one of the nominees should win."

Now Chris and his colleagues are urging people in York to put their parents forward for the award. Parent of the Year is open to guardians and foster parents as well as mums and dads, and the judges want to hear about people who go the extra mile for those who rely on them.

- The Community Pride awards are sponsored by Benenden Health. For more information about the Parent of the Year category, or any of the 13 awards, go to thepress.co.uk/pride

Nominations can be made online or by writing to Paula Homer, PA to the editor, The Press, 76-86 Walmgate, York YO1 9YN before Friday, July 18, with details including a supporting statement of no more than two sides of A4 with each nomination. You may also include a picture, which unfortunately we will be unable to return.