THREE young York sports enthusiasts are the true Spirit of Youth, according to their families and friends who have nominated them for Community Pride awards.

Young teenager Steven Gregson, of Stockton-on-the-Forest, has had a talent for snooker since he was a toddler.

Now only 14, the Burnholme Community College student has already played sporting legends Jimmy White and Ronnie O'Sullivan, and has won 87 trophies in the sport.

His mother, Debbie, said: "We are extremely proud of him - the kid's got a natural talent."

Young swimmer Tom Jackson, aged 13, of Clifton, has been put forward for an award by family friend Roy Stringer, of Bootham.

A member for York City Baths Club top squad, the teenager trains every weekday, and most weekends, for his sport.

Nominating Tom, Mr Stringer said he was also a senior patrol leader of the 1st Clifton Sea Scouts, helping out regularly to put up marquees, filing records and encouraging younger members.

"In short, he is a credit to the community," said Mr Stringer.

Tom's grandfather, John Whitehead, said: "He doesn't put himself forward, but if there's anything going on he'll be there to help out."

Roland Villansana Rollison, 17, has also been nominated for a Spirit of Youth award by his mother, Belinda, after he spent a day teaching Tang Hall youngsters to play rugby, as part of a Positive Activities for Young People (PAYP) scheme run by the young persons' organisation Connexions.

PAYP keyworker Paul Fogarty said in a statement: "Roland is a natural youth leader. He gained the young people's trust and respect and was able to pass on to them useful skills for the game."

Roland, who is studying for his A-levels at York College, said: "I felt pretty good afterwards. The kids were asking me to come down the next day."

We are still on the hunt for York's community heroes. Do you know anyone who should be named charity fundraiser of the year? Or a business that is running a project of real benefit to the 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 December 1.

Updated: 08:26 Thursday, July 22, 2004