A SINGING group in York that raises hundreds of pounds for charity every year by performing with a smile is the latest contender in our Community Pride Awards.

Harlequin singing group, which rehearses at York Cricket Club and Rugby Union Football Club, in Shipton Road, has been nominated in two categories – Service With A Smile and Charity Fundraiser Of The Year.

The group puts on about 50 shows a year, and instead of charging a fee the singers ask for a donation in aid of charity – raising about £1,500 every year.

Among the local good causes to benefit from their performances have been The Press’s Guardian Angels Appeal, which funded a £350,000 high- dependency unit for children at York Hospital, and SNAPPY, which offers play activities for children with special needs.

Alan Clark, who nominated Harlequin for the Service With A Smile accolade, said: “For quite some time now I have wished to draw attention and seek publicity for a small group of wonderful, caring people who entertain by singing under the colourful name of Harlequin.

“I have never failed to be impressed and heartened by their joy of music and singing always performed with a captivating smile by each team member.

“Harlequin visit local and regional nursing and residential homes, clubs, societies and community centres, including St Sampson’s Centre in York.”

Diane Clark, who put forward the group in the Charity Fundraiser of the Year category, said: “This group of people deserve some kind of big thanks from us, as they give so many people so much pleasure.”

The deadline for entries to our Community Pride Awards, which are being run in partnership with City of York Council and Benenden Healthcare Society, is Friday, July 23.

A panel of judges will then draw up a shortlist, and finalists from each category will be invited to a ceremony at York Racecourse in October.

To make a nomination, fill in the coupon that accompanies this article and return it with a supporting statement setting out why your nominee deserves an award.