MORE than 100 people have bombarded council officers with requests for grants and help under the York Community Pride campaign, little more than a fortnight since the launch of this important scheme to improve the quality of life in our city.

City of York Council is offering grants of between £100 and £1,000 to community projects in the city. It is also offering help, expertise or equipment to individuals who have ideas on how to make a difference to their environment.

So far officers have received a wide variety of requests, to help with projects ranging from large-scale environmental schemes to ideas on how to liven up a street.

Anne Rylatt, 49, of Caedmon Close, Heworth, is asking for daffodil bulbs to plant around the row of trees in the patch of grass facing the houses in her cul-de-sac.

She said she had first planted bulbs around the trees directly facing her house two years ago, but would now like more to finish off the job.

She said: "They just jollify the street - they lift the whole place."

Among the organisations that have applied for grants is Yorkshire Mesmac, in Marygate, which has asked for money to put plant containers outside its offices.

The York RI Sports and Social Club, in Hamilton Drive, Holgate, has organised a group of 20 volunteers to tidy up derelict tennis courts in the grounds.

The club has applied for a community pride grant to pay for rubbish skips.

Charlotte Pell, of the council's York Community Pride team, said: "It shows that individuals do want to get involved and volunteer given the right opportunity and the right advice."

As part of the campaign, the Evening Press is asking for your nominations for York's real community champions. If there is anyone you would like to see recognised for their efforts to improve the environment or the lives of others, 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 the winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on December 1.

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

Updated: 10:55 Thursday, May 13, 2004