A DIRECTOR and co-founder of a thriving project for young people has been “humbled” by his nomination for the Community Pride awards.

Kevin Curran co-founded the not-for-profit enterprise Inspired Youth, following redundancy, in 2007.

He decided to use his background in filmmaking to help people who are affected by social issues to tell their stories through creative media.

Mr Curran said that his aim was to “use creativity, arts and film as a way to engage with young people and make them creative partners in creating content that can make a social impact”.

Inspired Youth got off to an excellent start, with its first project, Arts Fusion, winning the award for intervention of the year at the Brook National Excellence in Achievement Awards.

Since then, the enterprise has gone from strength to strength, working on more than 100 projects and winning at least one award for every year of its existence.

But Mr Curran, who has been nominated for person of the year, insists any recognition must be collectively given to all those who have been involved with the various projects.

He said: “I am humbled to be nominated.

“I hope it means more people get to see the work we do.”

This characteristic humility was exactly what his nominator and brother predicted.

“He would not say it was anything to do with him,’ said Phil Curran, of Giles Avenue.

“He would say it was the kids who deserved the award.

“If he was not doing what he is doing, it would not give those he helps a chance.”

Also nominated in the category is Tang Hall hairdresser Terry Smith, the owner of Classic Cutz.

Raymond Crowe, of Vyner Street, praised Mr Smith for his heroism in assisting and fundraising for residents in need.

Mr Crowe said Mr Smith’s actions would make him a “worthy recipient” of the award.

The Community Pride Awards are sponsored by Benenden and jointly run by The Press and City of York Council.

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

You can make a nomination at yorkpress.co.uk/pride, explaining why you think the person deserves to win an award.

Entries can be submitted until Friday, July 17, when a judging panel will then pick a winner in each category.