COMMUNITY projects which help to improve the lives of York residents will be recognised at The Press Community Pride Awards.

Nominations are being sought for the best community project category of the awards to celebrate the city’s unsung heroes.

York-based Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) and Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust (JRHT), which works on projects across York, is sponsoring the category.

Last year's winner was York People First, which sees people with learning disabilities work closely with schools and workplaces around York to fight for the rights of people with disabilities and raise awareness of bullying.

Julia Unwin, chief executive of JRF and JRHT, said: “Although we are an organisation with a UK-wide focus, our heritage is steeped in this city, and we frequently witness, first-hand, the powerful contributions that community work can bring to individuals and groups.

“This category is particularly relevant to us as we shine a light on York as a city, for example – working on a project with partners across the city to make York a ‘dementia-friendly’ city, and working to reduce loneliness in neighbourhoods of York such as New Earswick and Carr Estate.

“We believe it is vitally important to recognise the contributions made by people who strive to make a difference in the places in which they live and work.

“As a large employer in the city and as ambassadors of Joseph Rowntree’s legacy, we are keen to support community action in this great city and look forward with anticipation to this year’s awards."

The Joseph Rowntree Foundation was set up in 1904 to help develop strong, inclusive communities and to tackle poverty.

The best community project category is for projects carried out by an informal, non-recognised voluntary group – organisations such as Rotary Clubs or Lions Clubs are not eligible.

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