HUNDREDS of students in York have celebrated their achievements with an awards ceremony.

The University of York Students’ Union Love York Awards took place at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre, with more than 300 students and staff attending.

The awards have run since 2010, and aim to recognise the hard work of the students who get involved with volunteering and fundraising, hold official committee positions within colleges, or who have contributed to the lives of other students.

A spokesman for the Students’ Union said: “Choosing the theatre was a great decision, as the venue itself was well equipped for the event. The staff and volunteers there were brilliant to work with, too.”

Award categories included Outstanding Contribution to the City of York and Entrepreneurship and Innovation, which was awarded to international PHD student Omar Shahryar, who - with the help of funding from the university’s alumni - composed an award-winning opera exploring the effect of terrorism on young people - A Shoe Full of Stars - which was performed in March in Huddersfield starring local school children, and was featured on Channel 4 news.

Award presenters included directors of Spark:York, sponsor of the evening Marc Bichtemann from First Buses and and York Central MP Rachael Maskell, and nominations came from the student body before being judged by a panel of student officers, union and university staff.

Rachael Maskell presented the award for Contribution to Student Life, and said: “We have heard so many inspirational stories from so many inspirational people and I know all of you have done so much to inspire others to get involved.

“We all know what a privilege it is to live in this city. It’s a city on the move, and you are moving the city forward, and we have seen this evening the multiple contributions you are making to shaping the future of our city and I thank you for that.”