AMATEUR rugby league stalwart Spen Allison says his 2016 Sporting Hero accolade will always have pride of place in his awards collection.

Mr Allison, president of BARLA and a leading figure in the local rugby league scene, was named Sporting Hero at last year’s York Community Pride Awards.

“It’s really special to me,” said Mr Allison. “I was over the moon to receive the award. It was an absolutely superb night.

“The local aspect of the awards is the key thing.

“I have had plenty of awards over the years, but winning this one in my home city makes it all the more memorable."

York Press:

Mr Allison declared that people across the city were working selflessly to help others and encouraged people to nominate their unsung heroes for this year’s Community Pride Awards, for which nominations are now open.

“Local awards like these are very close to my heart and I would certainly encourage people to nominate,” he said.

“There are so many local heroes out there who roll their sleeves up and on with the job.

“There are too many to name as individuals, but there are a hell of a lot of people committed to running all sorts of clubs and organisations.

“A lot of them never get recognised, but things like the Community Pride Awards give you a little buzz inside - I know it did for me.

“This shows that people really do appreciate the work you are doing.”

As well as the Sporting Hero award, nominations are also being sought for categories including Public Sector Hero, Child of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Health Service Hero, Charity Fundraiser of the Year, Good Neighbour of the Year, Person of the Year, Spirit of Youth, Teacher of the Year, School of the Year and Best Community Project.

Further details about the categories can be found at yorkpress.co.uk/communitypride.

The awards are run by The Press in partnership with City of York Council and the primary sponsor is York-based healthcare organisation Benenden.

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.

Entries can be submitted to York Community Pride Awards, The Press, 84-86 Walmgate, York YO1 9YN.

You can also nominate online at yorkpress.co.uk/communitypride.

The closing date for entries is Friday, July 21.

You must include a supporting statement of no more than two sides of A4 with each nomination, and may include a picture, which unfortunately we will be unable to return.