A WOMAN who is at the forefront of providing help and support for older people is the latest local hero to be put forward for our York Community Pride awards.

Penny Hutchinson, 45, of New Earswick, has been put forward for the Volunteer Of The Year category - sponsored by insurance giant Norwich Union - for her work with Older Citizens Advocacy York (OCAY).

Last week Brian Fletcher, 72, post master of Walmgate Bar Post Office, was nominated for the Public Sector Hero of the Year category.

Penny has been working with OCAY - which provides support for elderly people - since it was founded in 2001.

Originally seconded by City of York Council to help set up an older person's advocacy service, she later carried on working for OCAY as a volunteer.

With her help, the service won a £180,000 Community Fund three-year grant, as well as £20,000 from Help The Aged.

OCAY manager Linda Tester said Penny was known as a "funding wizard" within the organisation, spending much of her spare time coming up with ideas on how to bid for further cash, talking to staff and volunteers and filling out lengthy forms.

Linda said: "She does not begrudge the time she gives and is always willing to help with a ready smile and a positive attitude of encouragement. She neither asks for nor expects thanks. She is a truly selfless, committed, caring person, dedicated to ensuring that older people in York have a voice and that their voice can be heard."

Penny, who now works in the council's community services department, said: "I felt a personal sense of involvement building on the expertise that I've gained.

"Once you've managed to get a big grant like we did, it gives you quite a buzz. There's a sense of satisfaction in seeing what that money can achieve."

We still need your nominations for the city's community heroes. So if you know anyone you would like to see recognised in our York Community Pride awards, fill in the entry form on this page, remembering to include the category for which you are entering.

You should also include a supporting statement on no more than two sides of A4.

Updated: 08:39 Wednesday, May 26, 2004