TWO volunteers who were recognised in North Yorkshire County Council’s inaugural community awards last year have joined forces to benefit the communities they each work with.

John Scoble, from Thornton-le-Dale, was named volunteer of the year and Ian Robinson, from Richmondshire, was a runner-up in the same category.

A former primary school headteacher, John initiated a Music in the Community project for all ages and now runs five weekly ukulele groups made up of between 50 and 60 people in the Ryedale and Scarborough areas.

Most of the people in the groups are over 60 and include members of a sight support group and others living with conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, stroke and multiple sclerosis. The groups have performed in public, helping to raise thousands of pounds for charity.

Ian founded Scorton Community Buddies (SCB), a befriending scheme, just over a year ago. The service is provided by local volunteers to help prevent loneliness and social isolation for elderly and vulnerable Scorton residents.

The two men met at last year’s awards ceremony when John decided to split his prize money with the two runners-up. This led to some of John’s ukulele players, the Ukulele Strummers from Thornton-le-Dale, playing at an SCB event hosted by Abbey Care Village in Scorton earlier this month.

John said music not only provided a social outlet for the players, but also benefits those who hear it.

“The response from people living with Alzheimer’s can be amazing,” he said. “There can be people who never say a word, but as soon as we start to play It’s a Long Way to Tipperary they start to mouth the words. I have had people who care for those with dementia saying that they are amazed at how the music makes a difference.”

The ukulele groups have numerous events booked this year and John also hopes to record a charity CD and stage a charity concert at the Kirk Theatre, Pickering.

He said: “I think the community awards are a terrific idea. I found the fact that I was acknowledged a bit embarrassing, because there is so much that goes on, making such a difference to people’s lives, that is unheralded.”

This year’s community awards include four categories:

• Best community project

• Best community group

• Volunteer of the year

• Young people volunteering award

Councillor David Jeffels, chairman of North Yorkshire County Council, said: “Volunteers are becoming the backbone of an increasing number of aspects of life in North Yorkshire. Out of the financial challenges we have seen, and will continue to see, unsung heroes have emerged in our communities to help those around them."

The closing date for nominations is May 31. Nomination forms can be completed online at northyorks.gov.uk/communityawards. Anyone who is unable to complete the nomination online can phone 01609 780780.

The winner of each category will be awarded £1,000 for the relevant project, group or nominated relevant local charity in the case of the volunteer awards. Two runners-up in each category will receive £250.

Anyone in the Ryedale or Scarborough areas interested in joining one of John’s groups can contact him at johnscoble@btinternet.com