AWARD-WINNING community heroes have launched this year's hunt for York's unsung stalwarts of 2005.

Last year, our York Community Pride campaign unearthed some of the city's true heroes - people who went an extra mile to help others or improve the area they lived in.

This year, we have again teamed up with City of York Council to find more people who deserve to be recognised for their outstanding efforts in the community.

Evening Press editor Kevin Booth said: "We're looking for unsung heroes who in some way have made a major contribution to life in their neighbourhood or in their city.

"These are often ordinary people who have put themselves out for others.

"The whole spectrum of life in the city will be covered through a range of award categories - all aimed at creating a greater pride in York.

"Last year was the first year of the awards and they were a resounding success.

"This year we're very much hoping to build on that platform."

Some winners of last year's awards were at York Racecourse to kick off this year's campaign. As part of their award, they are to attend a ceremony in York's Mansion House during Royal Ascot week, where they will be presented with tickets to attend that day's racing. HRH the Duke of York has been invited to attend the ceremony.

As part of the campaign, City of York Council is offering cash grants of between £100 to £1,000 to community groups which want to improve the look of their neighbourhood.

Council leader Steve Galloway said: "We're looking for projects where residents take the lead and where they need some help, for example with the provision of materials or to hire tools.

"I'm sure the whole city will want to join me in supporting the Evening Press when it opens nominations for the 2005 awards."

Finance giant Norwich Union has signed up once again to sponsor the overall awards, with rail operator Transpennine Express, solicitors Harrowell Shaftoe and confectionery giant Nestl backing individual categories.

New award categories include Sporting Hero, Health Service Hero, Child of the Year, and Best Primary and Senior School project.

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

To nominate your community heroes, fill in the entry form on this page, remembering to include the category for which you are making that entry, and giving reasons on no more than two sides of A4.

The awards are open to people living or working in the City of York Council area.

Our judges will select three finalists in each category, and winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on October 20.

To apply for a council Community Pride grant, phone the council on 01904 552049.

Updated: 10:06 Thursday, April 07, 2005