A PROJECT which aimed to educate school children and the wider community about the sacrifices of Asian soldiers in the First World War was honoured with a community cohesion award.

Volunteers, charity champions and entrepreneurs from across the North West gathered in Blackburn’s King George’s Hall for the event where twelve awards were presented.

The awards aim to celebrate the contribution of all communities in helping to make the region a better place to live and were hosted by ITV presenter Sam Ali Khan.

The ConnectUK team from Blackburn who are hoping to raise funds for the East Lancashire Hospice were the official charity at the event this year.

This year’s Blackburn With Darwen-supported community cohesion award was won by the Commemoration of the Jullundur Brigade project.

This innovative series of events and projects aimed to highlight the shared history of Indian soldiers (Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs) who fought and died alongside their British Army comrades during some of the bloodiest battles of the First World War.

It was led by The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment in partnership with Lancashire County Council Heritage Learning Team.

Brigadier Peter Rafferty MBE, colonel of The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, said: “I speak for all members of the Jullundur Brigade team when I say how humbled and honoured we all feel at the recognition that we have received tonight.

“Our Jullundur Project, was a commemoration of the part played by our forebears in the Jullundur Brigade of the Indian Army during WW1. These soldiers from the First World War are the people who really deserve this award.”

The project saw a multi-faith commemoration of the centenary of the first deployment of the Jullundur Brigade at the Indian Army Memorial in France, which was attended by more than 120 soldiers, 90 school children, 30 Army cadets and local religious leaders.

The ConnectUK team from Blackburn is hoping to raise funds for the East Lancashire Hospice, which was the official charity at the event this year.