A MAJOR rail provider has signed up to our York Community Pride campaign - by agreeing to sponsor one of the awards.

Transpennine Express, which runs services across the North of England, is sponsoring our Best Community Project category.

The award will recognise what our judges think is the best community project carried out by an informal group.

Transpennine Express spokesman David Mallender said the company had been keen to sponsor an award which recognised teamwork.

He said: "A group project reflects the way we try to work as a business.

"We are covering a wide network and we need to work as a team - which is what you need to get projects off the ground."

Mr Mallender said he would like to see a "visible" project that made an impact on its surroundings scoop the prize.

This week, we reported that more than 100 people had bombarded the council with requests for grants or help with community projects.

Maya Roundell, 36, of Bootham, York, wants to get a group of people together to clean up rubbish along the railway embankment next to Marygate car park. She has asked the council for equipment to clear up the mess, which includes a burnt out sofa. She said: "If the council is happy to support us we could do it over a weekend."

For more information on sponsoring an award category, phone Nigel Briggs at the Evening Press, on 01904 653051, or email nigel.briggs@ycp.co.uk

To apply for a Community Pride grant, phone the council on 01904 552049, or 552063.

Updated: 09:51 Saturday, May 15, 2004