A WOMAN from Blackburn has been rewarded after her hard work in setting up the One Voice Blackburn Scouting group.

Zara Hussain, 20, from Oozebooth Terrace, is one of nine prize winners in this year’s Good Neighbour Awards organised by the Lancashire Telegraph and Blackburn with Darwen Council.

The awards recognise people who have made a difference in their communities.

Miss Hussain said she was inspired to set up the group with the help of her auntie to provide opportunities for people in deprived areas with the chance of doing something different.

This was especially useful for ethnic communities as other scout groups run from Monday to Friday when they would be attending

She said: “I think it’s a great opportunity for disengaged youths to get involved and do something different.

“We work with children from some of the most deprived areas of Blackburn, it can be really hard for them. but this gives them a chance to do something different and exciting.

“We’re just trying to give people the chance to get involved and try as many different things as possible, there are so many different things we try to do.”

Miss Hussain initially set up a Beavers group three years, before setting up a cubs group as the children aged and has this year launched the scouts group.

The group meets every Saturday morning during term time at Brookhouse Primary School in Troy Street.

Activities that the group take part in have included community clean ups, hot air balloon demonstrations, pottery making and raising awareness of the dangers of smoking and shisha pipes.

The group also spent a weekend in London at the National History Museum.

Miss Hussain’s dedication means that she now travels home from the University of Bradford at weekends to lead the group.

As well as picking up a trophy at an awards ceremony at King George’s Hall in Blackburn she also received £50 worth of The Mall vouchers.

She said: “I was really surprised when I found out I got the award. It’s really nice that people appreciate the work we’ve been doing with the groups.

“I’m incredibly proud to get the award.”