AN INSURANCE company will return to sponsor an award to celebrate unsung heroes across the city as part of the York Community Pride Awards 2021.

Aviva is sponsoring the Volunteer of the Year category in this year’s awards.

The award honours individuals who give their time freely and unselfishly to help others in need.

Speaking last year, Caroline Dibbs, of Aviva, said: “Aviva is very proud to continue our sponsorship of Volunteer of the Year at the Community Pride Awards.

"Volunteers are the unsung heroes who make such a big difference to communities.

"Sponsoring this award is important to Aviva because volunteering is something we actively encourage with our people.

"We would encourage people to shine a light on those who do such great work in their community."

The winner of last year’s Volunteer of the Year award was Justine Whitelam - after she set up a food bank for people struggling to access essential items.

Justine was a finalist alongside Sarah Wilson, who took on a running challenge to fundraise for The Trussell Trust and Jayne Berry, who helped raise money for scrubs for the hospitals and surgeries across the East Riding and North Yorkshire during the Covid-19 pandemic.

This year’s Community Pride awards include prizes for Person of the Year, Spirit of Youth, Public Sector Hero, Sporting Hero, Volunteer of the Year, Charity Fundraiser of the Year, Child of the Year, Best Community Project, Health Service Hero, The Special Recognition Nursing Award, GP Practice of the Year, Doctor of the Year, The Mental Health Care Award and Carer of the Year.

All nominees for the Community Pride awards 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 later in the year, 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 on The Press website.

The closing date for entries is Friday, June 25. Nominations must include a supporting statement with each entry and should include a photograph.