The hunt is on again for the borough’s best neighbours. Blackburn with Darwen Council has teamed up with the Lancashire Telegraph to search for residents who make a real difference to the lives of people on their streets.

The Good Neighbours Awards pay tribute to helpful neighbours, unsung heroes who have never been recognised for their efforts, and who make their streets and neighbourhoods a better place.

Last year’s Your Call Good Neighbours Awards were hugely successful, with nearly 70 people rewarded for their contribution.

‘Good Neighbours’ winners included Maurice Ffelan and Richard Grimshaw.

Mr Ffelan, a Roe Lee resident, has been involved in dozens of Your Call clean-ups. He helps grit the area he lives in and makes sure his neighbours are safe and well.

Despite having learning disabilities, Mr Grimshaw is a key volunteer at ACT at the Cheethams, which provides activities and a drop-in centre for young people in Wensley Fold.

Coun Kate Hollern, leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council and who set up the awards, said: “I was overwhelmed by the people I met last year through the Good Neighbours Awards. They were people who really made a difference to people on their street.

“I am delighted we have joined up with the Lancashire Telegraph again and can run another search for community heroes. This year, I want to see even more people being nominated.

“The important thing about these awards is that they recognise people who give their time to the community and expect nothing in return. They are the people who keep the community together.”

Lancashire Telegraph editor Kevin Young said: “We are delighted the Good Neighbours Awards have returned for a second year and look forward to highlighting even more of the positive work going on in our communities.

“Much of this is carried out by volunteers who go about it quietly, dutifully and often without the recognition they so richly deserve.

“The community is at the heart of everything the Telegraph stands for and we’re looking forward to telling the stories of the people who bind our neighbourhoods together, hopefully with even more entries than last year.”

Sponsors for this year’s award include Capita, Blackburn Rovers, Blackburn with Darwen Clinical Commissioning Group, The Mall and The Pack Restaurant and Bar in Belthorn.

Rovers’ managing director Derek Shaw said: “Blackburn Rovers are very happy to support the awards. Any award which rewards and brings focus on members of the community helping others is something the club is proud to be associated with.”

Joe Slater, chairman of Blackburn with Darwen Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “We are delighted to be supporting these awards. The concept is a great one. Good neighbours are important for society. They make communities tick.

“I am clear that people who make their neighbourhoods better places are contributing to improving the health and wellbeing of the borough. These awards pay tribute to the many selfless and thoughtful individuals in our community.

“For example, a neighbour spending five minutes to knock on the door of an elderly or vulnerable resident to make sure they are okay can help keep that person out of hospital. Strong communities are the frontline in tackling the borough’s health and wellbeing challenges.”

Ian Richardson, business centre director at Capita, Blackburn, said “We are happy to be sponsoring this very successful event again this year.

Loraine Jones, general manager of The Mall Blackburn, said: “The competition allows residents the opportunity to thank their fellow neighbours for helping them or going the extra mile throughout the year. We are thrilled to be supporting the awards.

“At The Mall Blackburn we pride ourselves on being a community shopping centre, so championing our unsung heroes is something close to our own hearts and values.”