Kirkbymoorside Resident on BBC Breakfast TV

Kirkbymoorside resident Jean Illingworth who won the BBC York 'Great Neighbour' award in the 2025 'Make a Difference Awards' was on BBC Breakfast on Tuesday 25th March 2026 talking about the town she loves that has a 'long history and a big heart' and why she was given the award. Jean stressed the importance of  strong local communities and the need for neighbours looking out for each other in these 'difficult times'. She said that if "everyone who was helped by someone did the same for someone else, it would spread in an ever-growing chain of kindness."

Jean managed to get a plug in for this year's Kirkbymoorside Gateway to the Moors Music Festival which is 31st July - 2nd August - see the website for more details: https://www.kirkbymoorsidetown.co.uk/kirkbymoorside-music-festival-2026

She was asked to appear on the show as part of the launch of this year's BBC Make a Difference Awards alongside 2025 BBC WM 'Young Hero' award winner Frazer, an 11-year-old football podcaster who is registered blind said he wanted to inspire other visually impaired people and help them to "think positively".

So, if you know of anyone who makes a difference locally, say thank you to them by nominating them for the 2026 Make a Difference Awards. Nominations are open now and close at 5pm on Monday 31 March.

For a full list of categories, see below - and details of how to nominate someone - go to bbc.co.uk/makeadifference, where you can also see full Terms and our Privacy Notice.

This year’s award categories are:

• The Volunteer Award: Awarded to an individual who makes a notable difference to the community by giving their time voluntarily to help others.

• The Community Group Award (supported by Morning Live): Awarded to a group of people who have helped to change the lives of others within their community.

• The Fundraiser Award: Awarded to an individual or group of people who have gone the extra mile to raise funds for a good cause.

• The Young Hero Award: awarded to an individual or group of young people under 16 who have made a positive impact in their community or achieved something exceptional.

• The Great Neighbour Award: Awarded to an individual who helps to make the neighbourhood a better place to live or work, either on a regular basis or through a single act of kindness.

• The Active Award: Awarded to an individual or group of people who have used physical activity or sport as a way of improving the lives of those in their community.

• The Environmental Award: Awarded to an individual or group of people who improve or conserve their local environment.

• The Animal Award: Awarded to either a remarkable animal that improves people's lives, or an individual or group of people who improve the welfare of animals.