A UKULELE teacher, a parish councillor who has drawn up an emergency plan for his village and a school scheme addressing pupils' self-esteem issues are among the finalists in an inaugural awards event to celebrate volunteers in North Yorkshire.

North Yorkshire County Council's chairman, Councillor David Jeffels announced the scheme earlier this year to champion the work of “unsung heroes”.

Cllr Jeffels, who has served on local authorities in the county for 42 years, said that community organisations and individual volunteers made a huge contribution to the lives of residents and helped the council provide vital services, reduce isolation and enable people to live independently.

The shortlist for the four awards has been selected from 114 nominations the council received from organisations ranging from community cafes to day centres and cultural groups.

A council spokesman said the nominations were judged on how the individual, organisation or project had tackled issues affecting residents, made a positive difference to their community and helped get other people involved.

Other criteria included whether nominees had inspired others, tried to introduce something new, had a lasting impact, worked with partners and made the most of funds available.

Among those contesting the community group category will be Osmotherley Community Group, which tackle issues of social isolation and loneliness by providing opportunities for social interaction between people of all ages.

The volunteer of the year section will include Kevin Axelby, of Ryedale, who set up an IT suite to help people get back to work.

He will face challenges from retired teacher John Scoble, of Ryedale, who provides free ukulele tuition to a variety of different groups in North Yorkshire and Scorton councillor Ian Robinson, whose emergency plan for the village has been extended to include support for elderly and vulnerable residents.

Other contenders include Easingwold School Youth Peer Mentors and the North Yorkshire Railway Junior Volunteers Group.

Cllr Jeffels said: "We have been delighted not only with the quantity of entries, but also the outstanding quality.

“Selecting a shortlist was not an easy task. The entries prove just how much hard work is put into helping our communities in North Yorkshire."

Judges have interviewed all the shortlisted entrants, and the winners will be announced at a ceremony to be held during the North Yorkshire Wider Partnership Conference at The Pavilions in Harrogate on October 16.

The winners will receive a prize of £1,000 for their project, group or a nominated local charity.