Unsung heroes and volunteers from across Blackburn and Darwen were honoured at the 2021 Community Volunteer Awards.

Twenty awards were presented at King George's Hall in an event hosted by BBC Radio Lancashire breakfast show presenter Graham Liver,

The awards which were not held last year due to the pandemic and were jointly arranged by Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council and Community CVS, with support from local businesses.

Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, Councillor Mohammed Khan, said "These have been, and still are, uncertain and strange times and we need our local heroes and helpers more than we ever have. Over the past year we have seen so many people going above and beyond for others and making a huge difference and it is more important than ever that we celebrate them.

"So many people have struggled over the last year with the huge changes in their lives and in our borough and the world, and all the wonderful volunteers here tonight were a real lifeline to so many, keeping them going, helping them in their day to day lives and showing the absolute best of Blackburn with Darwen.

"I can say with complete honesty that it was extremely difficult to narrow down these incredible nominations. Every volunteer and community champion here tonight deserves recognition for their dedication. You are all truly the best of us, devoting yourselves to other people in a way that is absolutely inspiring.

"We should be really proud that we have so many people in Blackburn with Darwen who work hard every day to help make it a better place.”

Garth Hodgkinson, Chief Executive of Community CVS, said: "The event showcases what a fabulous contribution that volunteers make to our daily lives and we would all be the poorer without the work they do. As a borough and as a country, we need to invest in volunteering in every walk of life and invest in our communities.

"I would like to thank our sponsors from across the commercial, public and voluntary sectors, without whose support, this event would not have taken place.”

Lancashire Telegraph:

Denise Park, Chief Executive of Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, added: "This was a fantastic evening and it was wonderful to see so many of our amazing volunteers commended for the tireless work they do.

"It was even more special to see everyone come together after a longer break than usual and to see so many people who are dedicated to giving their time to support others and make the borough a better place. Well done to everyone!”

The winners were 

Health and Wellbeing Award:
Individual – Dorothy Greenwood.
Group – Age UK Blackburn with Darwen.

Prosperity, Learning and Employment:
Individual – Janet Ross.
Group – Asian Carers Group

Grass Roots Community Action:
Individual – Hannah Goldthorpe
Group – Radio Hospitals in Blackburn

Young People’s Award:
Individual – Fiona Dunn
Group – Nightsafe

Renee Black Award:
Blackburn Central High School

Environment Award:
Individual – Peter Grogan
Group – Whitehall Park Supporters Group

CVS Special Award for Outstanding Service:
Elizabeth Taylor and Graham Jones

Culture, Leisure and Sporting Life Award:
Individual – Craig Walsh
Group – Blackburn with Darwen Bowls Partnership

Lindsay Dunn Award:
Individual – Aisha Mehboob
Group – Neighbourhood Community Action

Community Involvement Award:
Herbert Parkinson

Good Neighbour Award:
Brian Tull

Volunteer of the Year:
Yaqoob Hussain

Lifetime Achievement Award:
Rita Billington

Sponsors included: Star Tissue UK, Blackburn Rovers, Care Station, ELHT, CCG, Interfaith Forum, BwD Healthwatch, The Wish Centre, Age UK, BwD Carers, CGL, The Hive, Suez, Blackburn College, Trueman Change, Voice, McDonalds, Nightsafe, Herbert Parkinson and PCC – Our Lancashire.