A WINNER from last years Community Pride Awards is encouraging people to send in their nominations for this years competition.

Wesley Jobling, 18, was awarded the ‘spirit of youth’ award after being nominated by Suzanne Huggins, on behalf of the other volunteers at the organisation, Kitchen for Everyone York (KEY).

Wesley, from Acomb, who was described as 'wonderful' by the KEY volunteers who nominated him, said that it felt amazing to be recognised.

He said: “It honestly feel like I can’t put it in to words.

"I felt so grateful that people would take their time to put me forward for this award.

"I couldn’t stop saying thank you to Suzanne and my team member who dominated me.

"They are honestly the kindest and most compassionate people I’ve ever met.

"I was so so shocked that people felt like what I was doing was enough to nominate me for the award when I felt like people were doing things that deserved it more.

“Overall it just felt amazing to be recognised as someone who deserved it.”

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.

The spirit of youth gong is awarded to a teenager aged from 13 to 18 who shows a positive example to their peers, school or college, or their community or the city in general. Other award categories include public sector hero, teacher of the year, volunteer of the year and good neighbour of the year.

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, alternatively, you can submit your nomination online at yorkpress.co.uk/communitypride.

The closing date for entries is Friday, July 26.

Nominations must include a supporting statement of no more than two sides of A4 with each entry and should include a photograph, which unfortunately we will be unable to return.