A TEAM of volunteers who help to run a thriving centre for local people has been nominated for recognition in The Press’ Community Pride Awards.

Clements Hall, in Nunthorpe Road, a derelict former church hall which was given a £1.1 million refurbishment, has been transformed into a community meeting place which hosts a huge variety of events and activities.

The hall is run by the Clements Hall Trust charity, made up of about 50 volunteers, which has been nominated for the best community project award in the Community Pride Awards.

Coun Anna Semylen said since the hall was opened in November 2010, it has gone from strength to strength under the guidance of the charity.

She said: “Clements Hall is an example of new ways in which a local community can take charge of and use a building to create its own means of recreation, education, training and support services. Situated just outside York’s ancient city walls, the hall offers the perfect venue for everyone and is within easy reach of the city centre. The Clements Hall Trust has done a fantastic project. It has brought a disused building back into full community use. This work is inspirational in terms of refurbishing a building.”

The work on the building was financed by the Community Assets scheme, funded by the Cabinet Office.

Pauline Buchanan, chairman of the trust, said: “I have heard the hall spoken of with affection by local people who were concerned when it was closed and derelict for a decade.

“We are so pleased with the range of people that are using it and more would use it if there were more space. It has been a great joy.”

The Community Pride Awards, which will have a York 800 theme this year, are run in partnership with City of York Council and sponsored by Benenden Healthcare. The awards will be presented at a ceremony in October.