THE shortlist for Richmondshire's first ever Citizenship Awards has been revealed.

Three nominees in each of four different categories have been selected to go forward to the final round of judging later this month.

The Citizenship Awards were launched by Richmondshire District Council to highlight and celebrate the people who have made a real difference to the district.

Nominations closed at the beginning of December and a panel of councillors has now met to draw up a shortlist.

Melva Steckles, leader of Richmondshire District Council, said: "The awards are about communities recognising the people who make a real difference, and almost every single one of the nominations would have been a worthy winner in its own right - so picking out a shortlist was no easy task.

"The range of nominations for Volunteer of the Year in particular was really encouraging. It's nice to know that community spirit is alive and well throughout Richmondshire!

"The next step will be even more difficult - choosing a top entry for each of the categories. The overall winners will be announced at the State of the District debate, and will each receive a trophy. However, these awards aren't as much about winning as they are about celebrating the contributions so many different people have made to Richmondshire - and all the nominees can be justly proud of themselves."