A VOLUNTEER who gives his time to help elderly people in York could be in line for a top award.

Keith Raper, 52, of Huntington, has been nominated for the Volunteer of the Year title in the York Community Pride Awards.

Mr Raper works as an assistant at Hartrigg Oaks, a continuing care retirement community in New Earswick.

He helps take residents on day trips by driving the home's minibus, and also hosts quizzes and helps with any other events being held at the home.

He was nominated by Ed Davenport on behalf of the 40 or so residents at Hartrigg Oaks.

Mr Davenport wrote: "All Keith's work for us is done purely on a voluntary basis and he drives our residents on visits to popular venues such as Filey, Scarborough and so on. Please give this man serious consideration - without him the cost of hiring drivers would be prohibitive. The residents would therefore lose a great deal of pleasure."

Mr Raper, who works as a store supervisor in the maintenance department of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, said: "It's nice to be recognised that you are doing something, but I do not view what I am doing as anything special."

We are still looking for nominations for our awards. To nominate your community heroes, fill in the entry form, remembering to include the category for which you are submitting an entry, and giving reasons on no more than two sides of A4. Our judges will select three finalists in each category, and winners will be announced at an awards ceremony later this year.

We also still need sponsors for our awards. For more information on sponsoring an award category, phone Nigel Briggs at the Evening Press on 01904 567168, or email nigel.briggs@ycp.co.uk.