THE unsung heroes who work to make York a better place to live in have been recognised at an awards ceremony.

About 100 volunteers and supporters from businesses, schools and the city’s college and universities attended the York Cares Awards 2011 in the boardroom of Aviva, in Rougier Street. The third annual awards ceremony celebrated employee and youth volunteering efforts to fundraise and to support young people, the community, children, the environment and the elderly.

Winners at the ceremony included the York Youth Council, represented by Nathan Bargate and Jacob George, for helping fundraise for a youth city centre café, organising a festival of youth and promoting a positive image of young people in the city.

York St John University was recognised for collecting more than 150 gifts and 70 books and raising £200 for Arc Light Centre for homeless men and women at Christmas. A team from Network Rail was awarded for helping to revamp the driveway and frontage of Burton Green Primary School.

Launched in 2006, York Cares is a partnership of York’s leading employers which matches volunteers to community projects where they can have the most impact, particularly in disadvantaged areas.

As well as 18 Golden Moment award presentations, more than 20 young people received awards for volunteering. Ruth Tarr, volunteering project officer for York Cares, said: “It was a really successful event and was very well attended. Everyone enjoyed it and it was a positive experience for the volunteers.

“York Cares bridges the gap between businesses and local community groups - it allows them to give something back to the community.”

If you or your business would like to be involved with York Cares, visit yorkcares.co.uk