COMPETITION is fierce in the Public Sector Hero category of our Community Pride Awards, with five more unsung heroes in contention.

Among the nominees is retired police officer Gordon Keenan, who spent his early years on the beat, before becoming an officer for York’s coroner and then latterly transferring to the force control room.

After retiring as a police constable he returned to the control room as a civilian, earning promotion to become a supervisor before taking retirement this year.

Gordon was nominated by his former colleagues, Ashley Mason and Laura Garbutt, who described him as “an outstanding citizen of York”.

They said: “During his years in York he has made a real impact, especially as the coroner’s officer, when he made one of the saddest parts of people’s lives a lot easier.

“He was loved by all who worked with him. He would light up everybody’s day. If Gordon was working you would always have a happy shift.”

Meanwhile, City of York Council’s Bob Purrington has been put forward for the accolade for his “unwavering dedication to the young people in our city”.

He has been nominated by staff in the Young People’s Services, who said Bob, as assistant head of the department, had constantly inspired them to be the best.

One of his numerous achievements includes founding a charity called The Island, which is a mentoring project for vulnerable young people.

Despite suffering from Parkinson’s disease, Bob took part in a gruelling Ironman Triathlon to raise funds for The Island and completed the 2.4 mile swim, 80-mile bike ride and 26.2 mile run in 14 hours and 21 minutes.

Also in contention is estate worker Wayne Robson, who has been nominated by the Lindsey Avenue Residents Committee for being the “eyes and ears of the community”. Truda Counsell, from the committee, said: “He is a well-known face in our neighbourhood and goes out of his way to be helpful, often doing jobs over and above his intended duties.

“Wayne has got to know many of the residents in the area and keeps an eye on those he considers vulnerable.”

Another nominee is Michael Foster, who constantly goes the extra mile for Heworth Without Parish Council, for whom he keeps the play area and sports field clean and tidy and takes bookings for the community centre.

Michael was nominated by local teenager Lee Wright, who said: “He voluntarily covers a much larger area than he is asked to look after and just quietly gets on with it, to the tremendous benefit of the community.”

After reaching the final of our Community Pride Awards in 2008, lollipop lady Joyce Donkin has been nominated again.

Joyce has spent the past 35 years helping thousands of children at Fishergate Primary School safely cross the road – always with a smile on her face.

Entries have now closed for our Community Pride Awards, which we are running in conjunction with City of York Council and Benenden Healthcare Society.