PARENTS, teachers and community groups are being urged to nominate their young heroes for a prize in The Press awards scheme.

The York Community Pride Awards, which we run in conjunction with City of York Council, recognise people who make a positive, but often unsung, contribution to the city.

Two of the awards are specifically for young people, and we want to hear your nominations.

Our Child Of The Year award is open to anyone under 12 who has overcome an adversity or faced up with courage to life's hardships and challenges. The winner will be a child of real courage.

If you know a child who you think deserves to be considered for the award, then we'd love to hear from you. Simply fill in the form on this page and send it in.

The second category for young people is the Spirit Of Youth award. This is for people aged 13 to 17, and will be awarded to the nominee who makes the best positive contribution to their peers, their school or college, their community or the city in general.

Last year, the award was won by 15-year-old Millthorpe School pupil Ashley Mason. Ashley has suffered from a severe visual impairment since birth but that has not stopped him taking an active role in community life.

He is a member of York Youth Forum and a passionate spokesman for equal rights, and has dedicated his energies to supporting young people and hearing their views for several years.

If you know a teenager who you think should be nominated, then again please complete the attached form.

l We are still looking for more sponsors and nominations for our other categories as well.

To nominate your community heroes, fill in the entry form, remembering to include the category of your nomination, and giving reasons on no more than two sides of A4.

Our judges will select three finalists in each category, and winners will be announced at an awards ceremony later this year.

For more information on sponsoring an award category, phone Nigel Briggs at The Press on 01904 567168, or email nigel.briggs@ycp.co.uk