The former leader of a Lancashire council teamed up with another young entrepreneur to launch a company which will provide 160 force veterans with their own business in the next four years.

Paul White, of Laneshaw Bridge and Conor Walsh, 25, from Clitheroe founded Patch last year after receiving £250,000 from private investors.

After more than a year of hard work on their app which allows customers to book and pay for home maintenance, Patch has been recognised in the Prolific North Champion Awards.

Paul White, former leader of Pendle Council was nominated for Outstanding Contributor in the awards.

He said: “There are some fantastic people shortlisted and it’s just really humbling to be nominated. There’s a whole team that makes everything that we do happen and it’s testament to them all.”

Conor, who was shortlisted for the Outstanding Young Rising Star award, was held back in school due to his dyslexia.

However, he was determined to break down this barrier and become a role model to show others you can do anything if you put your mind to it.

Speaking on the nomination, Conor said: “I’ve been on a real journey over the past 12 months, and it’s great to think that others have spotted the potential. I’m working my socks off, but I want to help others on the way."

Paul was the original Founder of The Modern Milkman, which aimed to benefit communities by employing hundreds of people in the North and also reduced the amount of single use plastic to help the environment.

He has also mentored thirty start-up businesses in Lancashire and believes business is a useful tool to benefit and support people.

Paul and Conor's recent invention, Patch aims to do this by providing 160 former forces veterans with their own business within the next four years by providing them with mentoring and advice through Patch’s own business school.

Paul said: “I have long maintained that if you can make a difference whilst you go about your life, you should and that’s just something that I try to live by.”

The Prolific North Champion awards will be handed out at Emirates Old Trafford on May 18.