DO you know a top teacher who always goes the extra mile for their pupils?

The winner of the 2018 Teacher of the Year title is urging people to send their nominations in for this year’s York Community Pride Awards.

Dee Patton-Statham, of St George’s Primary School, was awarded Teacher of the Year, while the school was also nominated for School of the Year last year.

She said that it was “heart warming” to receive the accolade at York Racecourse last October.

“I was overwhelmed to have even been nominated let alone win the award," she said.

“It was so lovely to realise that the work you do every day can and does make a difference to people.

“To think that people had taken the time and effort to nominate me was very special and heart warming.

“There are thousands of people who help others every day and this often goes unnoticed.

“Although no one helps people in order to get recognition or an award, if you know of someone in the community who deserves a nomination it will make their day to realise that what they’re doing actually does make a difference and people are grateful.”

The York Community Pride Awards are run by The Press in partnership with City of York Council and the primary sponsor is York-based healthcare organisation Benenden Health.

All nominees must live in, or contribute to life in the City of York Council area.

Three finalists from each category will be invited to the awards ceremony at York Racecourse in October, when the winners will be revealed.

Entries can be posted to York Community Pride Awards, The Press, 84-86 Walmgate, York YO1 9YN. Or submit your nomination online at yorkpress.co.uk/communitypride and the closing date for entries is Friday, July 26.

Nominations must include a supporting statement and may include a photograph, which unfortunately we will be unable to return.