COMMUNITY heroes of the Groves area of York - from great neighbours to best volunteers - have received official recognition at an awards ceremony.

The Groves Association's first community awards scheme brought together Haxby Road, Park Grove and St Wilfrid’s Primary Schools, the Door 84 Youth Centre, York St John University and local residents and businesses at the university's Temple Hall.

Denise Craghill, a member of the association committee said: "It all resulted in a fantastic evening, with very moving testimonies to the good works that people of all ages do for each other in the Groves area."

She thanked individuals and organisations who had donated prizes and helped in other ways, and said she hoped the awards would become an annual event.

She said the best neighbour and best volunteer award winners included Doreen Harper, Eric Wren and Christine Leach.

"Dot was nominated for her ever present smile and long time care for her neighbours and Eric for maintaining not only his own front garden beautifully but also the ones on either side of him and so giving a lot of pleasure to others.

"Christine has been the leader of the Haxby Rd Scouts for many years and made a huge contribution to supporting young people in the area."

The most community minded business award was won by The Jam Factory Music Workshop; Taste Sandwich Shop; The Punch Bowl and It's Donated charity shop.

Gordon Campbell-Thomas, of It's Donated, said the success of four businesses showed how strong the local community was.

Other winners included: Schools awards, contribution to school life: Caleb Evans, Natalie Archer and Sophie Hindle.

Contribution to the Groves Community: Alexander Savkovic, Jayde Langan and Maeve Reeve-Smith.

Contribution to supporting other children: Pujani Perera, Kira Green and Millie Batterton

Youth Awards for helping to make a difference at the Door 84 Youth & Community Centre: 8-12 years olds: Holly Thompson, Maisy Wilbraham, Paige Holroyd and Kelsey Fahey. 13+: Jack Thompson and Sean Hardy 

Best neighbour: Sara Danesin Medio, Doreen Harper and Eric Wren.

Best community volunteer: Rachel and Wayne Coultas; Jenni Williams and Christine Leach.