THE hunt is on for the hidden stars whose hard work and dedication makes York a better place for everyone to live.

For the eleventh year, The Press and City of York Council are running the Community Pride Awards to celebrate the quiet heroes of life in the city.

With categories for individuals and groups, the awards honour children and young people, parents, volunteers, fundraisers, public sector workers, teachers, schools, and community groups.

The search is now on for the people who go to remarkable lengths to make a difference to others, without thought for personal recognition or reward.

From today, you can let your heroes how much their hard work is appreciated by sending in your nominations for the 2014 Community Pride Awards.

Among them will be people like Brian Hughes, who in 2013 was named Person Of The Year for his outstanding dedication to sport and charity in York.

Brian set up York Knavesmire Harriers, coaches and teaches karate, and has taught hundreds of people to swim with York City Baths.

The dedicated fundraiser is also behind the York Brass Monkey Half Marathon and the R U Taking The P event which he started to raise cash for prostate cancer research.

Or people like Vicky and John Inglis, who last year were given a significant achievement award for their courage after their son Jamie lost his battle with childhood cancer neuroblastoma.

John and Vicky raised publicity and funds to make sure Jamie twice got potentially lifesaving treatment unavailable on the NHS, and even after his death last January they pledged to continue raising money in Jamie’s memory to help other children with the disease.

Once again the principal sponsor for the Community Pride will be York based healthcare organisation Benenden Health.

Other sponsors already signed up to support the awards include Nestle, City of York Council, Linley and Simpson, Saville, Drax, Aviva, Clifton Park Hospital, York Racecourse, Barnitts, the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, and Yorwaste.

Steve Hughes, managing editor of The Press, said: “There are dozens of remarkable people working hard for others in York, and the Community Pride Awards give them the recognition they would never seek for themselves. As the nominations roll in I am looking forward to hearing stories of their selfless and dedicated work.”

All nominees must live in, or contribute to life in, the City of York Council area. Three finalists from each category will be invited to the awards ceremony at York Racecourse in October, when the winners will be revealed.

Video from last year's final: