BRAVE youngster Louis Connell has been named as the first contender in our Community Pride awards - for his battle against cancer.

The seven-year-old, from Newland Park Drive in York, has been nominated in our Child of the Year category by his proud aunt, Sharon.

Sharon, from Thief Lane, said in her nomination letter: "Louis is an inspiration to me and my family. He has endured four years of painful, frightening treatment, with the utmost bravery and maturity beyond his years."

Louis was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia at the age of three, and has undergone years of painful treatment, including cranial radiation.

Weeks before he was due to end his therapy last year, more cancer cells were found in his central nervous system. This meant a bone marrow transplant - for which his 20-month-old brother Joseph was the donor.

Last Christmas, Louis' astonishing courage in facing his condition was recognised by leading charity Cancer Research UK, which nominated him for its Christmas Little Star appeal - as was reported at the time in the Evening Press.

Mum Jenny Connell said: "He has been really brave - he overwhelms me. We just have to keep going."

Louis spent his seventh birthday - just before Christmas - in York Hospital, after some time spent in isolation while the transplant took place.

But to the joy of his family he made it home for Christmas day.

Do you know any other children who deserve to be recognised in our Community Pride awards? For our Child of the Year category, we are looking for an under 12 who, like Louis, has faced up with courage to life's hardships and challenges.

For our awards, we are looking for the unsung heroes of York - those people who have made outstanding contributions to their community.

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, call Nigel Briggs at the Evening Press, on 01904 567168, or email nigel.briggs@ycp.co.uk

Updated: 11:17 Wednesday, April 20, 2005