THE Volunteer of the Year award recognises people who go out of their way to provide a crucial community service.

This year’s finalists are Naz Kosar, Gloria Heilbron and Beryl and Roy Falkingham.

Naz Kosar has led the Friends of Bradford Moor Park group from “the very start”, said a person who nominated her.

“Naz created the group and it has since gone from strength-to-strength in bringing about massive changes”, they added.

“She has worked so hard to develop many different aspects of the park, Naz has helped support local residents to take part in activities delivered by the group, and has grown the residents’ group which has seen an increase in the park usage.

Naz has also been described as “very hard-working” and “dedicated”.

“She has a huge passion to bring about a positive change and to help improve people’s lives”, it was also said.

“Naz shows considerable attention to detail and always wants the best for everyone. Naz is caring and thoughtful, listens to people and, where possible, helps to guide them with correct and accurate information.

“She always looks out for her volunteers, as well as the general public.

“During the pond cleaning, Naz herself went in the dirty pond to help clear all the algae and duck weed, which was causing a problem.

“Naz also coordinated mind and well-being workshops in the park, as well as children’s activities. Naz chairs the group’s planning meetings and has been at the forefront of all the projects currently being undertaken in the park.”

Gloria is described as “endlessly positive and cheerful” by a person who nominated her, and carries out a “number of projects and initiatives” in her local community.

“She is part of Beautiful Greengates - which has involved local people in planting areas around their neighbourhood, creating flowerbeds on deep verges along well-used roads. This has been very impactful and created a sense of ownership, and has improved people’s mental well-being”, it was added.

“She is a ball of energy that fizzes with enthusiasm, and this is both quite infectious and much appreciated by others. She works her way round barriers as if they don’t exist.”

Beryl and Roy are “two of the most dedicated” members of Friends of Ilkley Riverside Parks.

“They are in their late eighties but turn up regularly, wielding their litter pickers and waste bags, ready to do battle with the the latest batch of litter left by unthinking visitors to the parks”, said a person who nominated them.

“They do this with a smile on their face and chat to people in the parks cheerily as they walk through doing their job.

“They always leave us with a smile on our faces as we marvel at their commitment and care for their community.”

Vote for your favourite here