YORK'S heroes have been honoured during an awards ceremony to celebrate their magnificent achievements.

>>> GALLERY: 28 photos from the awards ceremony

The curtain came down on this year's Community Pride awards with a glittering show at York Racecourse as the winners of all 12 categories received the recognition their efforts deserve.

The unsung heroes of York, selfless youngsters and devoted parents and teachers who go quietly about their work were all rewarded.

Thirteen awards were given out, including a poignant moment when Vahri Watson and Poppy Wadsworth were both named Child of the Year.

A Special Recognition Award was also afforded to Joyce Chaney who spends hours each week making homemade gift tags for the York Against Cancer charity shop.

>>> GALLERY: 28 photos from the awards ceremony

Mrs Chaney was nominated by her husband after making more than 1,000 tags a year and the judges felt her determination to do so much for other people made her a worthy contender for the unique award.

The Press' deputy editor, Stuart Martel, welcomed everyone to the event and praised the inspirational people nominated for the awards.

He said: "Once again we were inundated with nominations for inspirational people in our community who are looking out for others, without seeking reward or recognition.

"We heard stories of incredible bravery, immense courage and triumph over adversity as we honoured the unsung heroes of our great city."

Young carer, Brownies leader and netball umpire Harriet Powell picked up the Spirit of Youth award for her sterling work in the community.

She was joined on the winner's podium by charity fundraiser Marie Hughes, who has raised thousands of pounds in memory of her son, and Jason Angus, who won Volunteer of the Year for his work to help the homeless.

>>> GALLERY: 28 photos from the awards ceremony

Kenneth Butterfield, 84, an Air Cadets leader of more than 40 years, won the Person of the Year Award.

Mr Butterfield died on the morning of the event but family members collected the biggest award of the night on his behalf and received a standing ovation.

The former RAF Flight Sergeant was nominated for his unbending commitment to the city's youngsters.

The lifesaving actions of Fulford School staff - Katrina Fairbairn, Shona Jagger, Erica Melsom and Sue Igoe - were all recognised when they picked up the Teacher of the Year award for saving Alex Cowes' life when he collapsed during a games lesson.

Tang Hall Primary School won the Primary School Project award for their ambitious allotment, shot put champion Scott Lincoln won Sporting Hero and Best Community Project went to joint winners York Rescue Boat and York Pride.

>>> GALLERY: 28 photos from the awards ceremony

Top prizes were also handed out John Oxley, City of York Council's city archaeologist, in the Public Sector Hero category, Hannah Thorpe was named Health Service Hero and Hayley Harteveld was crowned Parent of the Year.