Handyman in awards frame

3:07pm Tuesday 10th June 2008

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A DEDICATED handyman is in line for a York Community Pride award in recognition of his hard work for his neighbourhood.

John Nicholson, a City of York Council worker for Walmgate and Navigation Road, has been nominated for the Public Sector Hero award. The 42-year-old has worked in the area for three years and was put forward by resident Barbara Pettitt.

She said: "John works as a part-time gardener, a handyman, and does all sorts of jobs on the Walmgate estates and for Navigation Road tenants. He goes above and beyond his job description and no job is too small.

"John is a friend to everyone, especially the older residents, and he is such a hardworking man who is always smiling and cheerful. He genuinely brightens everyone's day when he is around.

"Last year, my husband had a quadruple heart bypass and John watered all our hanging baskets and took care of our garden while he was in hospital. I really appreciated this gesture as I had no time to do the garden and it cheered my husband up no end to see his pride and joy so lovingly looked after. John truly deserves this award."

John was taken aback at the nomination. "I am very surprised to be nominated, I am in complete shock," he said. "It is very nice that people appreciate the work that I do."

The Press still needs nominees for the York Community Pride Awards, which are run jointly with City of York Council. If you know of someone who has made an outstanding contribution to the community, we would love to hear about them This summer, a panel of judges 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, simply fill in the coupon available in the Community Pride section.

Send in a non-returnable picture of your nominee 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