The Castle Community Partner- ship, which runs the community office, based in the Market Vaults, has been awarded the Duke of York Community Initiative which recognises “best practice in community enterprise and initiative.”

Community office co-ordinator Christine Mackay, castle ward councillor Janet Jefferson, vice-chairman of castle ward tenants’ and residents’ association Lindy Rowley and regeneration officer Kerry Lee attended the presentation day at David Young Comm- unity College near Leeds.

The group was one of around 15 organisations from across the country to receive the award.

They had the chance to meet Prince Andrew and speak to him about Scarborough and what the office did for the community.

Cllr Janet Jefferson said: “It was a very relaxing wonderful event. He went out of his way to meet everyone who had won the community award.”

She said Prince Andrew spoke highly of Scarborough having visited the sea cadets some years ago.

“I found he was very informal and made everyone feel at home. He even went as far as helping a disabled lady off the stage.”

She added that Prince Andrew said one of his main aims, as the Duke of York, was to promote the Yorkshire area for economy and business during the volatile economic climate.

He also spoke about the importance of the community.

She said: “I found the whole experience very moving. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I was very proud to go as a representative of the castle ward.”

Christine Mackay said: “It was great to meet Prince Andrew. He arrived and left the college by helicopter. We had a great day.”

Mrs Rowley added: “We had quite a good chat with Prince Andrew and he seemed to know all about Scarborough. It was nice he took the time to come and talk to each and every one of us.

“We are very proud to achieve this award and it does demonstrate just how much the community office does for the area.”

The community office is a locally funded organisation which relies on grants and donations to cover its running costs.

Mrs Rowley added: “We are always looking for more funding and volunteers to help keep the office up and running.”

The community office has a wide range of information available about money issues, benefits, legal problems. It also provides drop-in centres. Ward councillors each have a surgery, there is also a money matters surgery and area forum co-ordinator Matthew Joseph is available on the last Friday of the month. The office hosts IT classes, a sewing class and provides low-cost internet access.