A young people's award at a glittering ceremony that celebrates volunteers across Blackburn and Darwen has a new sponsor.

 Chip in will sponsor The Community CVS Young People's Award 2024. 

The accolade will be given out at this year's Community Volunteer Awards, being held at King George’s Hall in Blackburn on Thursday, November 7.

Chip in, a partnership volunteer project for young people from Blackburn with Darwen, aims to provide diverse opportunities across various sectors to aid skill-building and personal growth.

The project works closely with a range of local organisations and has mentoring at its core.

A spokesperson for Chip in said: "We are all about celebrating young people in volunteering and we saw nothing more fitting than sponsoring this year's awards.

"It's a great opportunity to focus on achievements, contributions and the people behind this, to really take the time to appreciate what impact volunteering can have on individuals, organisations and communities."

Chip In has recently developed a new digital platform, co-designed with partner organisations and young people.

Accessible via web and app, it features a 'visual library' of volunteer opportunities in Blackburn with Darwen for individuals aged 16 to 30.

The Community CVS Young People's Award recognises the efforts of young volunteers in the borough.

It has two categories, young people who volunteer; and organisations that support young people.

There’s a total of 19 awards available under 12 categories – these include the Good Neighbour Award, Volunteer of the Year, Environment Award, Health & Wellbeing Award, and the Community Involvement Award which is open to the local business community.

Last year, at the event, Garth Hodgkinson, chief executive of Community CVS, said: "Each year I am blown away by the voluntary efforts that take place within Blackburn with Darwen.

"Anyone and everyone can volunteer. The youngest nomination was aged eight, and the oldest aged 90.

"To everyone who already volunteers: thank you for helping to make a difference. To everyone who might not have taken the plunge: why not have a go? Together we can achieve so much more.

"May I thank our 18 sponsors who support the awards. Without your support, we would be unable to put on this remarkable event."