A BLACKBURN man recognised as a hero of the local community was not looking for recognition, his father has said.

Paul Green, 47, who lives in Mosley Street in Blackburn, has received a Good Neighbour Award for his litter picking and work with Ivy Street Community Centre, Ivy Close.

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His prize was winning a trip to Blackburn Rovers’ training ground but Paul’s dad Eric said he was never looking for any awards.

He said: “He just loves doing it, he was never looking for any prizes, it just keeps him happy and the prize really has come as a bonus.

“He has absolutely loved winning an award for being a good neighbour, he shows off his trophy on the mantelpiece to everyone that comes round. We had a party the other day and everyone found out.

“Everybody knows Paul, he’s a very memorable person and he’s loved every bit of winning.”

Paul has suffered from brain damage since he was nine months old after receiving a whooping cough vaccination.

Mohammed Khan, leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, added: “It is great to hear about these people going the extra mile for people in the borough.

“I hope more people will be encouraged to help out in their neighbourhood because improving the quality of life for people locally is something I really want to motivate people to do.”

The annual awards, given out during a special awards ceremony in August, celebrate the positive contributions that residents make to their communities and lives of their neighbours.

The awards are sponsored by Blackburn with Darwen Council, the Lancashire Telegraph, Capita and Blackburn Rovers, and have previously received backing by Prime Minister David Cameron, religious leaders, health bosses and celebrities.