TWO VOLUNTARY groups in York and North Yorkshire have been nominated for a prestigious new award.

York Students in Schools (YSIS) and Harrogate group The Junction, are among 277 groups shortlisted for the first-ever Queen's Golden Jubilee Award, in recognition of their contribution and commitment to the community.

Up to 200 winning groups will be announced on June 2.

YSIS is a voluntary student group at the University of York. Participants visit more than 40 nurseries, primary and secondary schools to offer help to teachers and pupils.

Programme co-ordinator Lyn Whiting, said: "We're absolutely delighted about being shortlisted for this award. It's a great honour and we're thrilled.

"There's a lot of people involved and it's great that the students give up so much of their time and that they're being recognised - it's nice when people say thank you."

The Junction is a volunteer group that provides support, education and advice to people with a wide range of special needs.

Project manager Jenny Murphy, said: "It's brilliant being nominated for the award, mainly because we have had awards before and been recognised in different ways, but this time representatives spent a morning with us looking at how we work."

The shortlist was drawn up by local selection panels.

Updated: 09:17 Monday, April 28, 2003