A VOLUNTEER group has won recognition for its work to improve diabetes care in East Lancashire.

Diabetes UK has given its regional Local Groups and Communities Award to the charity’s Ribble Valley branch, and Langho resident Gordon Dixon, chairman of the group, travelled to a ceremony in Warrington to collect the gong.

The award recognised the 30-member group’s part in establishing a new support group in the Burnley area, which has become only the second in East Lancashire.

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Bosses at Diabetes UK said the group has also been effective at increasing awareness of diabetes in the region and campaigning for better education for sufferers to cope with the disease.

Mr Dixon, 75, who has been living with Type 2 diabetes for more than 45 years, said: “I was very surprised and honoured that our group was even nominated but it is nice to be appreciated and hopefully by winning this award, we will attract some more members to our group.

“We don’t do it for the reward but to benefit other people living with diabetes in the area.

“It’s important to raise the profile of diabetes so that people realise the seriousness of the condition.

“This award means a lot to the group, and to me personally.

“A lot of work has been put into it over the last two decades.

“The group has been a constant presence in the area for so long and it has provided a lot of support to hundreds of people over that time.”

Stephen Ryan, head of the North of England at Diabetes UK, said: “As a result of the Ribble Valley Diabetes UK Group’s work, there have been great improvements in care and support offered to the 20,000 people who are living with diabetes in East Lancashire.

“The group has also made an incredibly valuable contribution by raising the profile of diabetes in the region.

“We would like to say an enormous thank you to all its members.

“The Inspire Awards are a great opportunity to thank our fantastic volunteers for their dedication, which helps us support people with diabetes.”