COMMUNITY workers from York and North Yorkshire received the royal seal of approval at a special event in York.

The Duke of York presented awards at York St John College yesterday to people who had displayed "outstanding" community spirit.

Twenty-three organisations throughout Yorkshire were commended for their work, as part of the Duke of York's Community Initiative, run by the York-based St William's Foundation.

Alne Parish Leisure Centre, which received its first award in 2000, was commended for the facilities it has introduced for the people of Alne and villages North of York, including a play area, pavilion, floodlit tennis courts and wildlife area. The group now wants to install more facilities for disabled children.

Committee member Richard Tym said: "It feels very good to have our work recognised. Our development has been ongoing and hopefully we will receive another award next year."

Age Concern, Knaresborough, also received an award. Its 140 volunteers and 16 part-time staff provide services including a purpose-built centre, minibus transport service and a hydraulic bath.

Deputy chief officer Marilyn Screen said: "It's great to be recognised. All our volunteers do a great job and sometimes I think they are taken for granted. It's nice for them to be recognised this way."

After the awards ceremony, the Duke wandered around the winners' displays to talk to those involved and gather more information about their work.

He said the awards were immensely important. "There are a huge number of people who recognise what it is that you do," he said.

"I congratulate you on what you have achieved this year."

The Duke also commended the work of foundation chairman Major General Henry Woods, who devised the initiative with him ten years ago, while sitting in the back of a car.

Professor Dianne Willcocks, principal of York St John College, said: "There's so much hidden talent in Yorkshire, people who make really important contributions to the community. Having the awards here brings people who share our underlying values at York St John College of learning and recognising people's contributions."

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Updated: 10:28 Friday, July 23, 2004