FORMER and current Rovers stars Alan Shearer, David Dunn and Kevin Gallacher have backed the Blackburn with Darwen borough Your Call Good Neighbour awards.
With nominations exceeding 60, the football stars urged people to put forward their local unsung heroes for the prizes.
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.
Former England star and centre forward in the 1994 Rovers Premiership winning side Alan Shearer said: “This is a great idea. When I was playing for Rovers, Blackburn always struck me as a neighbourly town – just like my native Newcastle.
“In tough times people need to get together and help each other. I am delighted to see the council, Blackburn Rovers and the Lancashire Telegraph getting together to encourage, support and reward the type of community spirit that makes life better for everyone.
“I would urge all people in Blackburn with Darwen to nominate the neighbours that make life better on their street – and do their best to help someone else make the most of life.”
Midfielder David Dunn, who scored the last-minute equaliser in the recent Blackburn-Burnley derby, said: “Good neighbours are what makes Blackburn what it is. We all need to help each other.
“My role as an ambassador for adoption and fostering in the borough is all about putting something back. I am delighted that Blackburn Rovers are supporting these awards. I want to see fans nominating the local people they know for the recognition they deserve.”
Scotland and Rovers striker Kevin Gallacher said: “I come from Clydeside – an area with a strong community spirit like Blackburn. These awards celebrate that spirit. I want football fans to nominate the good neighbours they know. They deserve recognition for their efforts.”
Five prizes are on offer including a Wimbledon tennis holiday for two in London; a spa break for two at the Stanley House Hotel in Mellor, and a full hospitality visit to a home game at Ewood Park.
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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