STREETLIFE, an emergency night shelter for Blackpool's homeless, has scooped a regional award for Voluntary Endeavour for the second year running.

The Church Street centre received a "local heroes" plaque, given out to those whose voluntary work or community activity has made a real difference to people's lives.

Streetlife has been running since 1980 and could not function properly without the help of some 20 dedicated volunteers.

Staff member Nicky Hardy explained: "They are invaluable as they each give up a night to open the centre.

"Two of our volunteers went to Liverpool to collect the award on behalf of everyone at the centre and picked up £100 worth of vouchers with which we all went out for a meal."

Streetlife also acts as a youth base, allowing young people to access information, advice and support.

It organises projects with young people such as art work, dance and sports activities.

The volunteers also play a key role in the management and running of the centre, helping with book keeping, administration and maintenance of the project.

In total, two groups and four individuals were chosen to represent the North West, from which four finalists will be selected to attend the national gala awards ceremony at at the House of Commons in October.

Each finalist who is not an overall winner will win £250 worth of gifts and a trophy, plus a £500 donation to the charity or cause of their choice.

The competition was organised by the Nationwide Building Society in association with NCVO and the Newspaper Society.

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