AN AWARD-WINNING screenwriter and director has been announced as new patron for the York Culture Awards.

Mark Herman, who was responsible for Brassed Off, Little Voice and The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas has been announced as the patron for the 2018 awards, organised by Make It York.

Nominations are open today, and a ceremony in November at York Theatre Royal, where 300 artists, musicians and creators will celebrate culture in the city.

Jane Lady Gibson, chair of Make It York, said: "We’re thrilled Mark has taken up the role of patron this year. His success is such an inspiration, in particular as he trained and grew up in Yorkshire and is a brilliant example of home grown talent. I can’t wait to see the entries we receive this year."

Mark said: "With my own speciality being film, in this role of patron I’m looking forward to having my eyes opened to many other areas of the arts, exciting and challenging, and most hopefully, diverse. I hope the awards encourage individuals and groups alike.

"Never mind winning, just to enter events such as this stokes fires of ambition, gets the creative juices flowing, so if only for that reason alone I urge anyone who is in any way hesitant, through lack of self-belief, self-confidence or whatever, to put all worries aside and give this a shot."

The awards are free to enter, and entries can be made online until September 28 at yorkcultureawards.com