TWO community stalwarts received special awards this week for their work helping the Great Harwood area.

One Area Council award went to Graham Wolstenholme, a local businessman and sponsor of the town's best-dressed shop window Christmas competition for the last five years.

The other was presented to retired Alan Whalley, a Rotarian and community leader.

The awards are handed out by Area Councils, groups set up by Hyndburn Council to give locals a chance to meet and question their councillors, and hear about issues affecting their areas. The pair were presented with framed certificates at the Area Council meeting, in front of dozens of members of the local community.

Accepting the award Mr Whalley, who was instrumental in setting up the Great Harwood Community Action Group, said: "It's very gratifying.

"What I was trying to push for was getting people in the community to pull in one direction, and all for the betterment of this town."