A MEMBER of Rossendale Mencap has become the first person in Lancashire to receive a top award from the charity.

Jonathon Boaden, 41, from Newhallhey, Rawtenstall, developed a sub-committee of Rossendale Mencap Gateway Society to ensure the opinions of people with learning disabilities are taken into consideration.

Through the committee he has also planned walks for disabled people around Grane Reservoir and a second walk is being planned in Bolton.

Over the past 12 months he has learned new committee skills through chairing the meetings and increased his confidence. His achievements have been recognised under the Mencap Millennium Award Scheme.

Jonathon, who also works as a volunteer at Rawtenstall Library, said: "I have enjoyed learning about being the chairman and writing the agenda and minutes of the sub-committee.

"It was particularly worthwhile going to the Millennium Award Conference in Bournemouth, where I had the met the other award winners."

Jonathon was one of 150 people to successfully complete the award scheme and the only one from Lancashire.

Mary Fishwick, chairman of Rossendale Mencap Society, said: "We at Mencap and Gateway are very proud of the work Jonathon has done. He is an inspiration to people with learning difficulties."

The Mencap Millennium Award Scheme, supported by the Millennium Commission, runs until 2001 and supports people who have a learning disability enabling them to gain skills and confidence.