AN INSURANCE company will return to sponsor an award to celebrate unsung heroes across the city as part of the York Community Pride Awards 2020.

Aviva is sponsoring the Volunteer of the Year category in this year’s contest.

The award honours individuals who give their time freely and unselfishly to help others in need.

Caroline Dibbs, Aviva’s customer engagement and operations director and chairwoman of York Cares, said: “Aviva is very proud to continue our sponsorship of Volunteer of the Year at the Community Pride Awards.

“Volunteers are the unsung heroes who make such a big difference to communities.

“Volunteering opportunities come in a variety of different ways and those that take part make such a big difference.

“Ultimately they are not doing it for recognition which is why this award is so important because they really do deserve their moment in the spotlight.

“Sponsoring this award is important to Aviva because volunteering is something we actively encourage with our people. We offer colleagues up to 21 hours paid volunteering leave to do whatever is important to them. Often teams work together to support a community group close to them. But, also, people use the time for something that they are personally close to.

“We would encourage people to nominate someone today and shine a light on those who do such great work in their community.”

Last year the Volunteer of the Year award was won by Andy Webster, who was nominated after he set up a disability sports session at the indoor bowls club in New Earswick.

Andy was a finalist alongside Barry Beckwith, praised for his help in creating the Red Tower community hub in York, which aims to tackle food poverty and wastage in the city and Nick Bielby, praised by the York Normandy Veterans for his role as treasurer and being central to everything that the veterans and families are involved in.

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

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 posted to York Community Pride Awards, The Press, 84-86 Walmgate, York YO1 9YN. Or submit your nomination online at yorkpress.co.uk/communitypride.

The closing date for entries is Friday July 24.

Nominations must include a supporting statement and may include a photograph, which unfortunately we will be unable to return.