A CREDIT union which has loaned more than £260,000 to needy Darwen people in the last seven years has been nominated for our Pride of East Lancashire awards.

Darwen Tower Credit Union Limited, a non-profit making savings and loans co-operative, has also helped its 495 members to save more than £80,000 this year.

The service provided by the credit union has helped people from all walks of life but particularly those who are socially excluded and unable to open a bank account.

Coun Dave Smith, ward councillor for Sunnyhurst Ward, has nominated the organisation for our Pride of East Lancashire Community/Social Enterprise Award.

He said: "It was founded in 1996 by a team of enthusiastic volunteers and has made a major contribution to tackling financial exclusion in Darwen.

"It has been achieved despite the credit union having one part-time worker. The great majority of the work is done by a team of 20 local volunteers - a great example of Darwen people helping Darwen people." The credit union first began operation in the town at Sudellside Neighbourhood Centre to offer members a convenient way to save and access low-cost loans in order to achieve financial independence. It has since moved into purpose-built premises in the The Circus.

Margaret Massey, development/compliance officer, said: "I think the service is essential. We deal with all kinds of people - professionals, working families, people on benefits and single parents.

"It is about getting people away from loan sharks and helping them to start managing their finances effectively."

The credit union currently has children's saving schemes in operation in three Darwen primary schools, and has plans to extend this to the area's high schools.

There are also plans to open membership to people through Blackburn with Darwen and into Wilpshire. To find out more, contact 01254 776611. To nominate a company for the Community/Social Enterprise Award go to www.thisis lancashire.co.uk or complete a coupon in the Lancashire Evening Telegraph or Citizens.