AN AWARD for children who show courage and kindness beyond their years is being sponsored by one of York's leading audio visual firms.

Saville Audio Visual is returning to back Community Pride's Child of the Year for 2015 and recognise the city's bravest youngsters.

Andy Dyson, Saville sales and marketing director, said: "Saville Audio Visual has a long history with the community in York dating back to the original Saville Chemist shop in Goodramgate in 1876.

"We are passionate about our involvement with the city and are honoured to once again sponsor the Child of the Year category.

"These awards are truly deserved by all the nominees and the Community Pride awards provide the perfect opportunity to recognize the amazing bravery and courage demonstrated by the children of York in battling the great challenges they face in their everyday lives."

Last year's joint winners were Georgina Thompson, Jak Church, Ebony Whitehead, Cameron Lee and Phoebe Watling.

Each of the finalists showed such courage and strength the judges decided every single one deserved the award.

Georgina who has spent a huge amount of time in hospital was praised for being such a strong, focused and optimistic young lady, while Jak has raised money for the hospital that treated him after he suffered burns while saving his dad’s life.

He was said to be recovering well from devastating burns and his dad John paid tribute to his son's inspirational spirit.

Phoebe was praised for her brave fight against leukaemia with her mum Gemma Spratt saying how she had amazed the whole family with how well she had coped.

Cameron who has autism has faced bullying and adversity, but was described as a lovely lad with a lovely heart. He was nominated by staff at special needs play centre SNAPPY.

And Ebony refuses to let her disabilities stop her enjoying life, and has spoken up for disabled people in school and further afield.

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.