JUST like many other girls her age, Kelly Cronin loves riding horses - though she is nearly completely blind.

The bright 16-year-old from Heworth was born with a rare eye disorder that has left her with between five and ten per cent vision in both eyes. But that has not stopped her living life to the full.

Now her proud grandmother has nominated her for a Spirit of Youth award in our York Community Pride campaign.

Maura Cronin, of Anthea Drive in Huntington, said: "She reduces me to tears sometimes. Nothing is too hard for her, she's not frightened of anything."

Mum Julie said: "I couldn't ask for a better child - I wouldn't swap her for anybody."

The registered blind Huntington School pupil began riding when her braille teacher introduced her to horses as a child. Now she rides every weekend, and has begun entering competitions in the sport.

Kelly said: "When I get out on a horse people don't look at me and say, there's someone who can't see anything. I can bond with horses, they understand me."

The ambitious teenager, currently studying for her GCSEs, now wants to become a physiotherapist when she finishes her secondary studies.

"Why shouldn't I have a normal life?" said Kelly.

"Being blind does present you with challenges. There are things you have to get around.

"But I don't consider myself to have a disability. I wouldn't change it because it's the way I am."

Do you know any other inspirational young people who have made a really positive contribution to the lives around them? We are on the hunt for York's unsung heroes. We want your nominations for those people who make a difference.

To nominate your community heroes, fill in the entry form on this page, remembering to include the category for which you are entering, 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 on October 20.

We still need sponsors for our awards.

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

Updated: 08:55 Monday, May 30, 2005