Search for young community champions

12:57pm Saturday 5th April 2008

PARENTS, teachers and community groups are being urged to nominate their young community champions for a prize in an awards scheme run by The Press.

The York Community Pride Awards, which we run in conjunction with City of York Council, recognise local heroes who make a positive, but often unsung, contribution to the city.

Two of the awards are specifically for young people, and we want to hear your nominations.

Our Child Of The Year award is open to anyone under 12 who has overcome an adversity or faced up with courage to life's hardships and challenges.

Last year, the award was won by sisters Chloe and Lucy Branton, of Huntington, York. Chloe plays an active role in caring for Lucy, who has cerebral palsy among other conditions. Lucy was nominated because she proved people wrong who said she would never achieve anything because of her disability.

If you know a child who you think deserves to be considered for the award, then we would love to hear from you.

The second category for young people is the Spirit Of Youth award. This is for people aged 13 to 17, and will be awarded to the nominee who makes the best positive contribution to their peers, their school or college, their community or the city in general.

In 2007, the award went to courageous Nathan Johnston for his help at the scene of a horrific road accident. The St John Ambulance cadet showed spirit way beyond his years when he jumped off a bus and gave first aid to three people following the smash last autumn involving two lorries and two cars, in Holtby, York.

He is a member of York Youth Forum and a passionate spokesman for equal rights, and has dedicated his energies to supporting young people and hearing their views for several years.

If you know a teenager who you think should be nominated, then again please complete the attached form.

We are still looking for more sponsors and nominations for our other categories as well.

To nominate a person or group, please fill in the 2008 Entry Form>>

Send us a picture of your nominee if you can, but please note, we are not able to return them.

Send your coupon, with a supporting statement (no more than two sides of A4 paper) setting out why your nominee deserves an award, to Community Pride Awards, Paula Homer, The Press, 76-86 Walmgate, York, YO1 9YN. Alternatively, you can email us at editor@ycp.co.uk