Honour our city heroes

9:37am Thursday 22nd May 2008

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THE pages of this newspaper are regularly filled with heart-warming stories of the selfless people in the community.

Whether it is a caring neighbour, a courageous child, or a teacher that goes the extra mile, our city is overflowing with those who go above and beyond to help those around them.

The Press's Community Pride Awards can recognise those achievements.

Our annual awards have fourteen categories which can reward those community heroes who help make York so much more than just a beautiful city.

Last year, our York Community Pride campaign unearthed some of the city's true champions.

Among the winners were Nathan Johnston, a St John Ambulance cadet who gave first aid to three people following a horrific road accident; voluntary dance teacher Margaret Aitchison and Hob Moor Oaks School special needs teacher Gerry Gill.

The Person of the Year category was won by Liz Allen, who co-ordinates a team of MacMillan health care assistants at St Leonard's Hospice, in Tadcaster Road.

Liz scooped the accolade for her second-to-none commitment and dedication to the job, and the support she gives to patients and carers.

The Community Pride Awards, now in their fifth year, offer a rare chance to give these modest people, whose sterling work make a positive, but often unsung, contribution to the city, the recognition they so richly deserve.

But you have to be in it to win it.

Whether it is charity workers, businesses, public sector workers, parents, teachers, children, health workers, sports people, community organisations or schools - if you know of someone who you think has made an outstanding contribution to the community, then we would love to hear from you.

There are three finalists in each of the 14 categories. This summer, a panel of judges, including representatives from The Press and City of York Council, will be whittling down a shortlist from your nominations, and the awards will be presented at a ceremony at York Racecourse in October.

To nominate someone, fill in the coupon that accompanies Community Pride reports in The Press.

Send a non-returnable picture of your nominee if you can, along with a supporting statement setting out why your nominee deserves an award.

Send nominations to Community Pride Awards, Paula Homer, The Press, 76-86 Walmgate, York, YO1 9YN. Alternatively, you can email us at editor@thepress.co.uk.

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Who would you like to see recognised in the community?