PARENTS, teachers and community groups are being urged to tell us about the teenagers in York who have made a positive contribution to their community.

The Press is inviting nominations in the Spirit Of Youth category of our Community Pride Awards, which we are holding for the seventh year.

We are thrilled to announce that the accolade, which aims to reward young people aged 13 to 18 who have shown true community spirit, is once again being sponsored by Nestlé Confectionery (UK).

James Maxton, a spokesman for Nestlé, said: “As one of York’s largest employers, we appreciate the important role Nestle plays in the community.

“The awards are an excellent opportunity to reward local people within York and we are delighted to be involved again. To be officially recognised in the awards may well be one of the biggest motivations that the individual may have – an impact that will be felt for many, many years. “That is why we hope that people will put forward their nominations.”

In particular, he urged people to nominate the city’s young heroes in the Spirit Of Youth category.

“Many people will only ever hear negative stories about today’s young people,” he said. “So it is fantastic to have a positive platform such as the Spirit Of Youth award to allow the young individuals who contribute so much to the community to be recognised for their work and hopefully influence others.”

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 entry form and return it with a supporting statement setting out why your nominee deserves an award.


York Press: Community Pride Awards 2010 - categories and sponsors