LOCAL unsung heroes who have made significant contributions to their communities are set to be celebrated in a series of awards.
Nominations are now open for the 2026 York Community Pride Awards, an annual event held by The Press.
Readers of the paper can nominate a person whose exemplary work deserves to be applauded, with awards presented at York Racecourse by former ITV Calendar presenter Duncan Wood on Thursday (September 10).
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Last year, hundreds of people and groups, whose dedication and community-mindedness had significantly impacted York, were nominated.
Among those formally recognised was Mandy Neal, who won an Against All Odds Award after she learnt to walk independently again with prosthetic legs following a devastating infection which led to her having to have her hands and feet amputated.
This year, 11 categories will shine a light on champions like Mandy.
They are the following:
Young Person of the Year - Many young people under the age of 16 make an excellent contribution to their communities and this award recognises the importance of young people in our region.
Against All Odds - This award will honour an individual or group who has faced personal challenges and emerged stronger. Whether overcoming illness, loss, or life-altering circumstances, nominees will be celebrated for their extraordinary resilience, unwavering determination, and the courage to rebuild their lives. Their journey will inspire others, demonstrating the power of hope and strength in the face of overwhelming adversity.
Charity Fundraiser of the Year – This amateur fundraiser need not have raised the most money but will be judged on innovative fundraising methods and their personal efforts involved.
Education Hero of the Year - This award will recognise an individual who works in the education sector who has gone above and beyond in the last year. They will have provided outstanding support for their pupils, demonstrated real creativity to deliver learning experiences and inspired youngsters and colleagues with their resilience and positivity.
Volunteer of the Year - For an individual who gives freely and unselfishly of his or her time to help others.
Health Service Hero – Every day an army of unsung heroes quietly go about their duties in the health service. We are looking for that special someone whose dedication is second to none.
Sports Person/Team of the Year - This award will recognise an individual or team in a sporting discipline, individual sport or sporting event that has achieved the most notable performance in recent months and shown examples of outstanding commitment, dedication, and enthusiasm in their chosen sport.
York Community Pride Outstanding Contribution Award - For an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to promoting pride in our city and community.
Carer of the Year – We are looking to recognise the contribution of an individual care worker who strives to improve delivery care and goes beyond expectations.
Best Community Project - For projects carried out by an informal non-recognised voluntary group. A group that has come together in the community, who exemplifies what can be achieved when people work together.
School of the Year - This award will recognise a school which has had a positive impact on its pupils and the wider community.
Editor of The Press, Nigel Burton said: "The Community Pride Awards celebrate those who make the world a better place without seeking thanks or praise.
"People who give their time, whether professionally or through volunteering, are the individuals these awards aim to recognise, providing them a moment in the spotlight for the rest of us to say thank you.
"These are the individuals at the heart of our community.
"We are excited to read those inspiring stories and share them with you in the weeks to come."
All nominees must live in York or surrounding areas and contribute to their local community.
The awards will be judged by an independent panel, and the three finalists from each category will be invited to the awards ceremony.
The event is sponsored by Aviva, whose community impact manager (York), Holly Hennell, said: “We’re proud to be sponsoring the York Community Pride Awards once again.
"York is home to so many inspiring people and initiatives and these awards are a chance to celebrate those who go above and beyond for their communities.
"As a long‑standing employer in York, our colleagues are incredibly proud of the city we live and work in and supporting the fantastic work happening across York is something we’re deeply committed to.”
Entries can be submitted here.
Alternatively, you can make an entry using the QR code (pictured).
To do this, use a smart phone’s camera to scan the QR code.
Wait for the link to appear, then click the link where you will be redirected to the nomination form.
The closing date for entries is Friday (June 5).
Nominations must include a supporting statement with each entry.
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