THE York Community Pride judges have been busy drawing up a list of finalists to attend a glittering awards ceremony at York Racecourse.

York Community Pride is a joint campaign between City of York Council and the Evening Press to promote the city and its citizens.

The awards were open to individuals and groups with in the City of York Council tax area in the 11 different categories listed below.

Each entry was considered on its own merits by an impartial panel of judges, the Editor of the Evening Press, Kevin Booth and the chief executive of City of York Council, David Atkinson.

The winners will be chosen in the coming weeks and announced at the Racecourse awards ceremony on December 1.

Entertainment on the night will be provided by local cover group Pure Silk, who have performed at parties for the cast and crew of both Coronation Street and Emmerdale in the past.

Individual categories

Spirit of Youth

For young people aged 13 to 17 for the best contribution to peers, their school or college, their community or the city. Sponsored by Nestl

Finalists

Kayleigh Cudine, Tony Shepherd, Roland Rollinson

Public Sector Hero

Someone who works in the public sector and has gone that extra mile to help others or use their skills outside of work to assist others or improve their environment.

Sponsored by GNER

Finalists

Brian Fletcher, Paul Wiley, Joanne Weller

Volunteer of the Year

For an individual who gives freely and unselfishly of his or her time to help others. Sponsored by Norwich Union

Finalists

Muriel Allen, Helen Harris, Ian Wilkinson

Charity Fundraiser of the Year

This amateur fundraiser need not necessarily have raised the most cash, but will be judged on innovative fundraising methods and personal effort. Sponsored by Evening Press and City of York Council.

Finalists

The Smile And A Song Trio,

Derrick Lund, Helen Harris

Mother's Pride

For young people aged 12 or under who have overcome an adversity or faced up with courage to life's hardships and challenges.

Sponsored by Evening Press.

Finalists

Tiffany Hurson, Elizabeth Richardson, Hannah Churchill

York Community Pride Person of the Year

For an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to promoting pride in our city or community.

Sponsored by Norwich Union.

Finalists

Rosemary Suttill, Eddie Benson, Gordon Benton

Group categories

Service with a Smile

This award is for any sector of York business or commerce which has outstanding customer care.

Sponsored by Sanderson Motorhouse.

Finalists

Lorraine Kelley, St Sampson's Centre, Cathy Layton

Best Community Project

For projects carried out by an informal, community group recognised or registered voluntary organisation.

Sponsored by transpenninexpress.

Finalists

Amicus, Danesmead Residents and Meadow Association, Aesthetica Magazine

Green Pride

For a group initiative that improves the local or city-wide environment.

Sponsored by City of York Council.

Finalists

John Pettit and Suzanne McGill, Brunswick Organic Nurseries, Vale of York Conservation Group

Best Business Pride Project

For the project which contributed most to the local community or city as a whole. Sponsored by Harrowell Shaftoe

Finalists

The Coppergate Shopping Centre, McArthurGlen Designer Outlet, Betty's Tea Room Caf

Best School Project:

Any school project completed before the end of September which has improved its surroundings or the environment. Sponsored by Royal Mail.

Finalists

St Peter's School, St George's RC Primary School,

New Earswick Primary School

Updated: 10:14 Saturday, October 30, 2004