IT gives us great pleasure once again to support the Lancashire Telegraph’s Grass Roots Awards.

My colleagues who attended the last awards ceremony, returned to the office on the back of a very successful night keen to make sure we once again got involved.

Each year we continue to be struck by the energy, passion and dedication of so many people, from across East Lancashire, who are helping to build a great community spirit through sport.

It’s fantastic to be able to give those local heroes the recognition they deserve, and we’re looking forward to seeing even more nominations this year.

United Utilities is proud to be your local water company. And we’re proud that the service we provide, helps makes sure you have a reliable supply of fresh clean water to quench your thirst after a tough sporting challenge.

We also take care of the water you use after that well deserved shower.

Within United Utilities we continue to modify and improve the water and wastewater network which serves you.

I’m very happy to report our new 10km pipeline from our treatment works at Martholme, near Clayton-le-Moors, to Ramsgreave is nearing completion. This will provide Blackburn with a more reliable supply of water to continue to meet future demand.

We’ve also just started a project which will see Sunny Hurst Hey reservoir in Darwen, which is no longer needed for water storage, transformed into a partial wetland to help promote and support local wildlife.

This will also ensure it remains a focal point of the moors. Plus we’re also in the process of modifying Earnsdale reservoir so this remains an integral part of our water network in East Lancashire.

Good luck and keep flying the flag for sport in East Lancashire.

Steve Fraser, Managing Director, United Utilities