STUDENTS in York have been praised for their work in the community and for helping to dispel a perception of them as "lazy".

Education chiefs at the city's universities and colleges said York students are contributing a great deal to the area and do not fit any stereotype.

York St John University vice-chancellor Professor Dianne Willcocks praised students' work in the community, saying: "Their presence is also a big boost to the local economy."

She said: "Importantly, students come to higher education in York as local people who will contribute more effectively to their community or as newcomers who may spend between three and 30 years dedicating their talents to the public good of York and North Yorkshire."

Colin Mellors, chief executive of Higher York, a partnership of local colleges and universities, said students from York St John University regularly removed graffiti from surrounding residential areas such as The Groves.

Last month also saw RAG (Raise and Give) activities, with all the money raised being donated to two local and two national charities.

Mr Mellors said student volunteers from York College also helped to raise and donate more than £1,800 to St Leonard's Hospice by taking part in bag-packing day at ASDA, organised by the hospice.

They have also been working on a project called Right To Read with Woodthorpe Primary School, where more than 30 students go in to the school to help develop young people's reading skills.

He said: "A particular success story has been the University of York's Making Space at Fulford Youth Room project, which won the team award at the Regional Millenium Volunteer of the Year Award ceremony, held in Leeds in January 2007."

Four University of York students helped youngsters at Fulford School renovate a youth room.

Higher York is a partnership between Askham Bryan College, the University of York, York College, York St John University and the City of York Council.