THERE'S less than a month to go - so it is time to send in your nominations for our Community Pride awards.

So far we have had some fantastic entries for our campaign to hunt down York's true unsung heroes - the people who work tirelessly in their communities to make a real difference.

For some of our categories, we want to hear about the community groups, schools and businesses which are making valued contributions to life in the city - often without any recognition or reward.

Perhaps you know of a group of volunteers who are doing something really special in your neighbourhood? A school that is doing a really worthwhile project to improve its surroundings or general environment? What about a business which provides excellent customer care?

Last year, dozens of readers sent in nominations for individuals and groups who they felt deserved to win recognition for their tireless efforts to make life better for those around them.

Every nominee was a winner, but some shone in the eyes of the judges and carried off the top awards.

Richard Whiting is a member of the Danesmead Residents' and Meadow Association - a team of hard-working volunteer residents who have transformed a semi-derelict piece of waste ground into a thriving urban nature park.

The work of the group so impressed the judges that it carried off the Community Project Award.

Today, Mr Whiting urged more people to send in nominations of other community projects whose work was equally inspiring.

He said: "Receiving the prize was a great boost. People feel they are being rewarded for their efforts.

"People hide their light under a bushel; they don't realise that they are doing something important."

Another York organisation whose work wowed our judges was the St Sampson's Centre for the elderly - which carried off the Service with a Smile award.

Centre manager Malcolm Whittaker said today: "We were absolutely over the moon to win. There are other places in York that deserve to be nominated.

"These awards publicise the fact that there are a lot of people out there who do good things for good causes."

The deadline for all your nominations is July 15, and remember, we want to hear from schools as well. To nominate your community heroes, fill in the entry form on this page, remembering to include the category for which you are entering, 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 on October 20.

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

Updated: 09:34 Thursday, June 16, 2005