IS there a hero in your workplace or do you know someone who goes the extra mile for others?

The Press’ Community Pride awards recognise those who stand out from the crowd and its Public Sector Hero category praises those who are vital to their company or community.

City of York Council has returned to sponsor the award for another year and Sally Burns, the authority’s director of Communities and Neighbourhoods, is urging residents to support this year’s awards and take the trouble to spotlight some of the people who keep our city working well, looking good and protecting and helping the most vulnerable in our midst.

She said: “The council is honoured and proud to support the Community Pride awards, York’s annual opportunity to personally thank the inspirational, dedicated and life-enhancing individuals and community groups who make this city great.

“As a sponsor of the Public Sector Hero category, we’d especially like people to take some time to think about those who work in services that are vital to this city’s wellbeing and yet who are often overlooked – from keeping the streets clean and safe to giving people new chances in life or enabling them to live comfortably, sociably and securely when they are older.”

The Public Sector Hero Award celebrates individuals who work in the public sector and who have gone that extra mile to help others or use his or her skills to assist others or improve their environment, like last year’s winner, lollipop lady Joyce Donkin.

Mrs Burns said: “The awards are a humbling experience and reflect real community spirit. Of course, we will only be able to celebrate those who are put forward so we’d like people to make sure their particular heroes aren’t overlooked and get in their nominations as soon as possible.”

The Community Pride Awards are sponsored by Benenden and jointly run by The Press and City of York Council.

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

You can make a nomination at yorkpress.co.uk/pride, explaining why you think the person deserves to win an award.

Entries can be submitted until Friday, July 17, when a judging panel will then pick a winner in each category.