HEALTH bosses have joined the Lancashire Telegraph, Prime Minister David Cameron and Labour leader Ed Miliband in backing Blackburn with Darwen’s Your Call/Good Neighbours Awards.

The competition, organised by the borough council, aims to find and reward residents who make a real difference to the lives of people on their streets.

The awards, also supported by Capita and Blackburn Rovers, will pay tribute to the helpful neighbours and unsung heroes who have never been recognised for their efforts.

They today received the full backing of the Blackburn with Darwen Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), which takes over running local NHS services in April.

Dr Chris Clayton, the CCG’s clinical chief officer, said: “I think these awards are a great idea. Good neighbours are important for society. They make communities tick.

“As a doctor, I am clear that people who make their neighbourhoods better places are contributing to improving the health and wellbeing of the borough.

“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.”

Joe Slater, chair of the CCG, said: “I think these awards are fantastic and I look forward to hearing about the many good neighbours in Blackburn with Darwen.”

Five prizes are on offer – a Wimbledon tennis holiday for two in London; a spa break for two at the Stanley House Hotel in Mellor; a full-hospitality visit to a home game at Ewood Park as a guest of Blackburn Rovers; a meal for two at The Pack restaurant and bar in Belthorn and full set of nails/ specialist manicure at the Nail Room, Bolton Road, Blackburn.

Blackburn with Darwen council leader Kate Hollern said: “I wanted to set up these awards to recognise the many people out there who do their best to make their streets better places.

“People who act as good neighbours are doing their bit. They make their communities tick and ask for no reward.”

The scheme has also been backed by MP Jack Straw, Lancashire Council of Mosques chairman Salim Mulla, and Darwen Mayor Eileen Entwistle.

How to enter

To nominate someone, fill out Blackburn with Darwen Council's online nomination form or download, complete and return a nomination form.

The closing date for nominations is Monday, April 8.