THE shortlisted nominees have been announced for North Yorkshire County Council’s Community Awards 2019.

A total of 55 nominations for 41 groups and individuals have been made for the awards, which honour volunteers who make a difference in their community.

From the nominations, 15 have been shortlisted.

A panel of judges, including representatives from the council, volunteer organisations and young people, will visit all shortlisted nominees throughout this month and September to choose the finalists.

The winner of each category will receive £1,000 for the project, group or nominated relevant local charity in the case of the volunteer awards.

Two runners-up in each category will receive £250.

The awards ceremony will be held at the North Yorkshire Wider Partnership Conference on October 25.

County Councillor Jim Clark, chair of the County Council, said: “As always, the standard of the nominees was incredibly high, so I don’t envy the judges who had to compile the shortlist and now choose the finalists.

"These awards are a great way to recognise the tireless work of so many who make a real difference in their communities.”

The finalists include Parents of Special Children, Hambleton/Richmondshire which provides support to parents, carers and grandparents of children with additional needs and the Sporting Memories Foundation in Topcliffe.