WHEN Pat Hood moved to Oswaldtwistle from her native Scotland she became involved with the Sunday School at St Oswalds Church.

But as her own children grew older she retired from her role and the weekly meetings soon folded.

There was a dramatic impact on the church as the younger members fell away and after a couple of years Pat decided she had to take action.

Under her leadership, the church now boasts an impressive Sunday School with about 40 regular attendees and a Youth Group for older children.

Fellow parishioner Ella Townley, has nominated Pat, 58, for our Pride of East Lancashire Outstanding Volunteer Award.

She said: "She is a remarkable woman who genuinely loves all children and reminds me of the Pied Piper as the children stream down the aisle in her wake."

Pat, a part-time medical secretary for a Blackburn GP, has now been at the church for more than 30 years and has run the Sunday School in its second life for the last nine years.

She said: "I did it for a number of years and thought I was getting too old but gradually it died and I thought it was awful as there was no youth in the church."

Pat, of St Oswalds Road, Knuzden, is now assisted by five other parishioners.

Outstanding Volunteer is one of 11 awards in the Pride of East Lancashire Awards. Nominations close on September 30 and winners will be announced at a gala dinner at Blackburn King George's Hall on Saturday November 22.

Thisislancashire's special Pride of East Lancashire section...