More than 130 people attended the Pride in Rossendale Awards to honour dedication to communities in the Valley.

The borough council organised the event, at the Riverside Suite, in Whitworth, to pay tribute to outstanding performance and dedication shown by individuals and groups living and working across the Valley.

Residents were asked to nominate people who they thought deserved recognition in six different categories.

The Young Volunteer of the Year award for individuals under the age of 18 who dedicate their time to be role models for their peers, went to Keir Forth, who volunteers at Tor View School in Haslingden regularly.

Keir was described as: “An active member of school life and a positive young person who is involved in many aspects of school including peer mentoring, the pastoral garden and the management steering group.

“He is also head boy at Haslingden High School.”

The Volunteer of the Year went to Josie Walker who organises various community events and holds an annual Rossendale gardening competition.

She was also commended for her Christmas parties for young people and efforts to improve residents health and wellbeing.

The Environment Pride Award went to Whitworth and Healey Horticultural Society.

The group has been in existence for over 100 years and works to improve Whitworth and Healey through planters, tidying the area and maintenance.

The Community Pride Awards for groups who benefit the people of Rossendale went to the White Horse Project which offers opportunities for young people in the Edgeside area.

The Good Neighbour Award for an individual who supports those who live in their area went to James Rodway.

The Rossendale Alive Award went to Positive Start for developing a variety of projects for young people.

Coun Darryl Smith said: “It was a brilliant event and the atmosphere was fantastic.

"I would not have liked to be on the judging panel because it was a tough call in each category.

“It was great to see these people getting recognition because they are all winners.”

* Young Volunteer of the Year award finalists were BRGS Environmental Group, Matt Dodd, Alex Walton and Helen Casey.

Volunteer of the Year finalists were Kevin Ramsden and Brian Pickup.

Environment Pride Award finalists were Stubbins Residents’ Association and Civic Pride.

Community Pride Awards finalists were Rossendale Players Charity Perform-ances and Whitworth Rushcart Festival.

Good Neighbour Award finalists included Maureen Crank and Margaret Broadhurst.

Rossendale Alive Award finalists were Rubicon and the Life Team.