A MAN who has spent years working tirelessly to encourage people to play sport in York has spoken of his delight at being named Person Of The Year at last year’s Community Pride Awards.

Brian Hughes founded the Knavesmire Harriers running club, started the Brass Monkey half marathon and the R U Taking the P? run to raise money and awareness for prostate cancer charities, and has also taught scores of people karate and swimming at classes in York.

He was honoured in The Press’s awards in October 2013, and said: “It’s lovely to get an award like this. You do things because you enjoy them, but it is very nice to rewarded as well.”

He is encouraging others to put people forward for the awards to help them get the recognition they deserve for their hard work.

“You can buy someone a bunch of flowers or send them a card to show you appreciate them, but this is much bigger way of recognising them.”

The awards ceremony in October was an emotional evening with “tears of joy” he said, and gave him chance to meet other charity workers from York and promote his event.

“It was a great night and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The Press does a great job, and it’s an opportunity for people like me to plug their events and their charities. It’s a great way of getting media coverage for your charities and it can lead to others things.”

The Community Pride Awards have 13 categories: Spirit of Youth, Public Sector Hero, Charity Fundraiser Of The Year, Child Of The Year, Teacher Of The Year, Volunteer Of The Year, Health Service Hero, Sporting Hero, Person Of The Year, Parent Of The Year, Service With A Smile, Best Community Project, and Best Primary School Project.

Details and a nomination form are available at yorkpress.co.uk/communitypride, and entries close on July 18.