A CHARITABLE organisation is urging people to recognise those who make a difference in their community.

York-based Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) is sponsoring Community Pride's Best Community Project award to reward the groups who consistently help less fortunate people or provide something different to residents.

Shaun Rafferty, strategic director of communities at JRF and Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust, said: “We’re very pleased to be supporting this year’s Best Community Project Award.

"At the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and Housing Trust we are working to create a prosperous and poverty free UK and strong, empowered communities must be at the heart of that ambition.

"This award will help to recognise those people in York who make our communities stronger.”

Last year's ceremony at York Racecourse saw York Pride and York Rescue Boat both take home the top prize.

York LGBT Pride is an organisation aiming to promote equality, diversity and awareness, and to defeat discrimination against members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community since 2011.

On June 20, 2015, York Pride attracted more than 4,000 people who spent the day celebrating with a huge parade through the city.

York Rescue Boat is another highly valued organisation. The charity was founded by Dave Benson in 2014 and began operations during the weekend of the inaugural Tour de Yorkshire.

It is a fully operational service and was recognised for the lifesaving service it provides on York's rivers and leading safety campaigns.

The Community Pride Awards are sponsored by Benenden and jointly run by The Press and City of York Council.

All nominees must live in, or contribute to life in, the City of York Council area. Around three finalists from each category will be invited to the awards ceremony at York Racecourse in October, when the winners will be revealed.

You can make a nomination at yorkpress.co.uk/pride.

Entries can be submitted until Friday, July 15, when a judging panel will then pick a winner in each category.