YOUNG people in Blackburn with Darwen are playing a major role in helping improve the lives of others, nominations for the Your Call Good Neighbour Awards reveal.
They feature strongly in the entries received so far as the town’s youth MP Hamzah Ahmed praised the many young people who looked after their fellow citizens.
As the number of nominations exceeds 60, he appealed for young people to be recognised for the good work they do with more nominations.
Entries already received include a disabled young man who tackles the bins and the shopping for elderly neighbours, two boys who swept snow off paths, and a young lad who cuts the grass and does the gardening for busy householders.
The awards are sponsored by Blackburn with Darwen council, the Lancashire Telegraph, Capita and Blackburn Rovers, and have received backing from Prime Minister David Cameron, Labour leader Ed Miliband, religious leaders, health bosses and celebrities.
Hamzah, 17, who is to make a 120-mile charity bike ride to help youngsters with life-threatening illnesses, made his plea before he ends his term of office next week.
He said: “I know a lot of young people who do things on their street to help their neighbours.
“I think this award will help show the positive work that young people do in their communities.
“There are a lot of negative portrayals of teenagers but I think this award will help tackle those.”
Council leader Kate Hollern said: “We have had several entries citing the good work of young people . It shows good neighbours can be any age.”
Mr Cameron said: “It’s great to see the Your Call/Good Neighbours campaign recognising those who are working to make their streets a better place.”
Five prizes are on offer – a Wimbledon tennis holiday for two in London; a spa break for two at the Stanley House Hotel in Mellor; a hospitality visit to a home game at Ewood Park as a guest of Blackburn Rovers; a meal for two at The Pack restaurant and bar in Belthorn and a full set of nails/specialist manicure at the Nail Room, Bolton Road, Blackburn.
How to enter
To nominate someone, fill in Blackburn with Darwen Council's online nomination form or download, complete and return a nomination form.
The closing date for nominations is Monday, April 8.
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