THE Good Neighbours Awards were hailed a massive success in 2013 with recipients saying they engendered a sense of community spirit and recognised valuable but unheralded work in Blackburn and Darwen.

Elizabeth Gregory, 74, known to all as Beth, was nominated for her tireless work around the village of Guide by villager Audrey Foy.

Audrey said: “Beth is always available to help the residents of Guide by providing transport when required for outings.

“Last year, she ensured that each elderly resident living alone received a bag of grit for snow and ice and even delivered them herself.

“She is instrumental in the organisation of Guide village Circle of Friends, a group of 25 or so ladies who meet every month.”

Beth said: “It was a fantastic surprise to be given an award like this and totally out of the blue.

“I don’t do any of this for thanks. I do it because I love and enjoy it.

“I think the awards are very valuable and the main thing it shows is how much good work is going on in the town.

“I would most certainly recommend people to think about whether they know a neighbour or friend who does that little bit extra deserves a pat on the back.

“Get involved and put them forward for these awards.”

Anne Slater, of Downham Street, Blackburn, gives up more than 30 hours a week as a volunteer for the Thomas Project at St Anne’s House.

She helps others with reading, writing and assists with the soup kitchen and was described as ‘the most caring, wonderful person and always there for people when needed’.

Anne said: “I’ve never sought any limelight and I was a little embarrassed, but admittedly it was a lovely surprise to hear I’d got the award.

“There are people who put in that extra effort community-wise who don’t expect rewarding but my experience with the awards was very fulfilling.

“There’s a lot of bad news around Blackburn and Darwen and things like this redress the balance with some positive news.”

The awards also give the chance for the younger generation to be recognised such as 11-year-old Ronan Chambers, of Shadsworth, who cheerfully helps out his elderly neighbours as much as he can.

Ronan does lawn mowing and other gardening, takes out bins and wheels them back after school and during last winter’s cold snap cleared driveways and paths of snow.

Another recipient in 2013 was Richard Grimshaw, 52, who despite having learning difficulties, is a key volunteer several evenings a week at a project which provides activities and a drop-in centre for young people in Wensley Fold.

A Good Neighbour award also went to Maurice Ffelan of Whalley New Road, Blackburn, who has supported dozens of community clean-ups, making a positive improvement to his neighbourhood.

Bharrat Palmer, 52, of Exeter Street, was rewarded for running shopping errands for elderly and disabled neighbours and his various charity volunteer roles.