HAVE pride - that is the story that comes flooding out from the dozens of entries we have had for our community awards.

The whole spectrum of life in York has been reflected in the people who have been named by their proud friends and family for our Community Pride awards scheme, which recognises those citizens who have made an outstanding contribution to life in the city.

We have heard about everyone, from young cancer sufferers who have demonstrated incredible courage in facing up to their illness, to community helpers who have gone beyond the call of duty for voluntary groups.

York long-distance runner Darran Bilton has been nominated for our Sporting Hero award by his wife, Sarah, for his outstanding efforts in the field of athletics, which saw him land an impressive third British place in the 2003 London Marathon.

Meanwhile, Tang Hall community hero Terry Larkman has been named by two different people in our Volunteer of the Year category.

As well as volunteering for St Aelred's Primary School, where he helps children to read and develop their performing skills, the parish councillor also sings in the church choir, helps out on school trips, and helps produce school plays.

York's keenest charity fundraisers are represented in our awards, from hairdresser Terry Smith to voluntary dynamo Annie Greenwood, while musical teenagers the Longhawn Trio have been named in our Spirit of Youth category.

Our awards also encompass professional areas of life. Dr Stuart Calder, of the Clifton Health Centre, has been named in our Health Service Hero category for his "constant support" to a patient suffering from anxiety and depression.

But we still want to hear more.

Our awards categories cover a wide range of life, from hard-working community groups to valuable environmental projects carried out by school children.

Do you know a business which has demonstrated really outstanding customer care? Why not nominate them for a Service With A Smile award? Or what about school students who have done superb community work? Our two school project categories are the perfect forum to publicise their work. We need to hear about public sector and health service professionals who go out of their way to help others.

It is still not too late to send us a nomination. To do so, 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 winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on October 20.


Updated: 12:30 Saturday, July 23, 2005