A COOKERY book written by schoolchildren, a school garden, and a community clubhouse are among the latest nominations for the 2011 Community Pride Awards.

This is the eighth time The Press has run the awards, with City of York Council and local businesses, to celebrate local heroes.

Fabulous Friday Food was written by Class Eight at Hob Moor Oaks School, and the recipe book was nominated for Primary School Project of the Year by Gemma Nielson.

She said: “We are so proud of what our class has achieved.

“The class shop, prepare and cook their own lunch every Friday. They learn important life skills, use literacy and numeracy, improve communication skills, but most of all they have fun!”

After the class prepare and cook the food, they are joined by their teacher, teaching assistants and midday supervisory assistants to enjoy the meal.

Head teacher Angela Shaw also nominated the scheme, praising the enthusiasm and dedication of the children, who all have special needs and abilities: “The books sold out within two weeks, and the money was used to treat the children to a meal out in York – a fitting end to a fantastic year.”

Coun Ian Gillies contacted The Press to nominate Bradley’s Garden, at Poppleton Ousebank School, which was conceived and built in memory of Bradley Brough – a pupil at the school who died during a heart operation.

Coun Gillies also joined Nether Poppleton Parish Council in their nomination of Poppleton Tigers Junior Football Club for Community Project of the Year.

In 2006, the club began a scheme to build a new clubhouse, which would cost £500,000.

Coun Gillies said: “It was a dream which has now become a reality.

“This is a fantastic new facility which will be enjoyed by more than 300 young people at the club.”

Nominations have now closed for the 2011 Community Pride Awards, and the shortlist of finalists will be revealed next month.