UNSUNG heroes who go out of their way to help their community were honoured at the Good Neighbours Awards held on Friday night. 

Now in its fourth year the event, which was held at King George’s Hall in Blackburn, recognises those that go the extra mile to help residents and the community. 

This year’s winners included a 95-year-old who litter picks on a daily basis and a seven-year-old who received 20 nominations. 

Guests enjoyed entertainment and food at the awards, which are organised by Blackburn with Darwen Council and the Lancashire Telegraph, before the nine winners received their prizes from council leader Cllr Mohammed Khan and sponsors McDonald’s. 

Cllr Khan said they had more than 70 nominations this year. 

He said: “It is all about recognising people and thanking them for what they have been doing. We do appreciate people who take some responsibility in their neighbourhood.

“My special thanks to all the sponsors. Without them this event would not be possible.” 

Harry Catherall, chief executive of the council, said: “The awards are in their fourth year and are so important for recognising the fantastic commitment and effort from individuals who are taking part in their community. We cannot put a price on how important these individual’s efforts are.” 

The winners were seven-year-old Nathan Pugh who litter picks regularly, Jordan Bentley, 17, who helps a neighbour who suffers with health problems, Richard Westhead, 95, who has litter picked every day for 30 years and looks after a war memorial in Bold Venture Park, the West End Girls’ Group (WEGS), who help street clean and care for the elderly, Janet Pearce, Fatima Dhira, Dr Mohammed Naushad and Zara Hussain, who were nominated for a variety of work in their neighbourhoods and Hannah Goldthorpe, 40, who was also nominated for work in her neighbourhood. 
The event was also given the backing of Blackburn with Darwen’s Clinical Commissioning Group, Community Integrated Care and Capita, Blackburn.