THESE ordinary men and women are York's finest community heroes.

Now, for the first time, their extraordinary work has been celebrated at a glittering York Community Pride ceremony.

The awards are a new venture by the Evening Press and City of York Council to promote the tireless work of those who go out of their way to serve the local community.

Celebrities from former Coronation Street star Jean Alexander (Hilda Ogden) and Richard Whiteley to Tony Blair have lent their support to the campaign - but last night the real stars were the unsung heroes whose selfless work makes their city a better place in which to live and work.

Nominations for the awards came flooding in after the campaign's official launch in April. All the nominees were winners - but a panel of judges selected the very best in 11 different categories to receive a prestigious trophy at the ceremony at York Racecourse.

Politicians and business leaders dined with volunteers and school children at the gala event, hosted by Harry Gration of BBC Look North and BBC Radio York's Colin Hazelden.

City of York Council leader Steve Galloway said: "The buzz all evening has been amazing. Lots of people who never asked for any recognition have got it tonight, and I hope this will be an inspiration to many others."

He added: "I genuinely think the Evening Press has done something wonderful here tonight."

Kevin Booth, editor of the Evening Press, said: "The York Community Pride awards are a proper and fitting tribute to those people who give so much to the city. All the finalists are very special people who, through their very different contributions and in their own different ways, all help put the pride into York."

Hard-working Kayleigh Cudine, 15, won the Spirit of Youth award for her work with children's charity Snappy.

The Service with a Smile award went to St Sampson's Centre for providing a safe and friendly haven for the elderly.

Elizabeth Richardson, 12, won the Mother's Pride award for her bravery in her fight against a rare kidney condition.

Green-fingered John Pettitt and Suzanne McGill took the Green Pride award for their work in the gardens around Rosemary Place in York.

A team of lower sixth form students from St Peter's School won the Best School Project for revitalising and maintaining local gardens.

Postmaster Brian Fletcher was named the city's Public Sector Hero for his 35 years of work at Walmgate Bar Post Office in York.

The Best Business Pride Project award went to the Coppergate Shopping Centre for its spectacular street displays and decorations.

The Community Project award was won by Danesmead Residents and Meadow Association for its members' work in transforming a piece of derelict land into a vibrant orchard.

Muriel Allen was named Volunteer of the Year for 16 years of driving for community transport service York Wheels.

The musicians of the Smile And A Song Trio were awarded the Charity Fundraiser of the Year prize for entertaining the elderly and raising over £15,000 for good causes at the same time.

Eddie Benson was named Community Pride Person of the Year for his role in transforming the communities of Haxby and Wigginton. Eddie has been instrumental in working with disaffected young people in the area, inspiring pride in the local community.

Updated: 10:01 Thursday, December 02, 2004