THE Lancashire Evening Telegraph prides itself on being at the very heart of the local community -- and this year has been no exception. We've embarked on a series of campaigns which have involved thousands of people -- culminating in the first ever Pride of East Lancashire awards. Reporter CLARE COOK looks back on a successful year. . .

IT was the biggest campaign East Lancashire had ever seen, finding the unsung heroes of our community, and shouting about the many things the region has to be proud of.

The seven-month Pride of East Lancashire campaign reached its thrilling climax with a star-studded spectacular at Blackburn's King George's Hall in November.

Thirty finalists picked up awards after their achievements were showcased to celebrities, VIPs, family and friends.

The campaign was heralded as a glittering success with tales of bravery, dedication and success in the face of adversity. It was also the chance to highlight the outstanding business achievers, great sports and entertainment stars past and present, and the warmth of the people who live here.

The campaign was one of the most memorable in East Lancashire to date.

Dennis Taylor, chief executive of the East Lancashire Partnership, and major co-sponsor of the event, said: "The feedback from everyone was that this campaign made a real difference and was one of the best initiatives from the newspaper.

"We always knew there was a plethora of unsung heroes in the community and we thank the Evening Telegraph for helping to find them!"

In 2003, the Evening Telegraph also rounded off one of its most successful fundraising efforts -- to buy life saving scanners.

Jubilant Magic Eye Appeal organisers revealed a final total of £330,000 was reached in May -- smashing initial targets for the year's fundraising.

Generous East Lancashire folk helped buy three endoscopic ultrasound scanners and two state-of-the-art image processors, with enough money left over to cover the running costs of the machinery, being used by medical staff at Blackburn Royal Infirmary, well into 2004.

The equipment put East Lancashire on the map as a leading centre for cancer treatment in the North West and more than 600 oesophagus and stomach cancer sufferers are now benefiting each year from the technology.

And plans are already under way to develop the equipment to help with quicker diagnosis of lung cancer.

Appeal co-ordinator Sheila Shaw said: "It was beyond our wildest expectations to receive so much money and we were delighted.

"The generosity of people made the appeal what it was and it was a credit to everyone who helped that we can now boast some of the best technology in the area.

"The Telegraph played an integral part in making it all possible."

Campaigns like the Evening Telegraph's drive to save care homes for the elderly have also been praised this year.

The campaign endeavoured to halt proposals, outlined in early 2002, for the closure of 32 out of 48 Lancashire County Council care homes.

The National Care Standards Commission thanked the newspaper in autumn, for its efforts to fight for the rights of elderly people.

Trish Davies, NCSC's director of corporate policy, said the public campaign performed a "valuable role" in countering the 'out of sight, out of mind' approach to the care of older people.

Although ultimately unsuccessful, the campaign captured the mood of East Lancashire people.

In May, the Evening Telegraph also re-enforced its place in the local community by joining a national save local chemists campaign.

Backed by local MPs, pharmacists, elderly rights groups and health chiefs, the Evening Telegraph stood out against a report by the Office of Fair Trading published in January which recommended a free-for-all for chemists. Campaigners feared smaller community businesses would be under threat, as more customers use conveniently placed shops in supermarkets or town centres for their prescriptions.

The campaign enjoyed success with government ministers agreeing proposals to open up the market but also protect the vital role of community pharmacies.

As 2003 draws to a close, East Lancashire people should be proud of what they have achieved -- and the Evening Telegraph will continue to stand up for its community.