A commemorative award has been given to two university students to honor the legacy of a respected York historian with decades of service.

The Florence E. Wright Memorial Award was established in memory of Florence Wright, a former educator at the Castle Museum and a long-time member of the Yorkshire Architectural and York Archaeological Society (YAYAS).

Wright devoted more than 40 years to the society, serving as both secretary and vice-president during her tenure.

Through a collaboration with the History Department at York St John University, YAYAS now awards the Florence E. Wright Memorial Award to the MA history student who produces the outstanding dissertation.

Corey Young receiving the award from YAYAS chairman, John Shaw

The YAYAS chairman, John Shaw, was pleased to award the prize to joint winners, Alisha Oliver and Corey Young.

He said he was keen to use the award to encourage talented history students to come to York and to stay in the city after graduation.

It publishes the York Historian and YAYAS Times, with articles and news items about York and its surrounds. Its archives include photographic illustrations that can be used for research or reproduction with copyright acknowledgement.

The society also runs lectures and trips for its members.