GROUPS and individuals making a difference across a borough have been honoured at a special prize-giving evening.

The Rossendale Council Community Awards 2019 crowned 11 winners from 120 nominations.

The Riverside, Whitworth, hosted 34 finalists as the evening celebrated those who go the extra mile to support others and help make their neighbourhoods better places to live.

Rossendale Volunteer of the Year was Barbara Horne while Thomas Wise picked up the Young Volunteer of the Year.

In the Rossendale Community Event of the Year category, Bacup Now Events Programme scooped the main award.

Outstanding Community Contribution to the Valley was handed to the volunteers of the Rossendale Talking News Paper Association.

Cath Burns, the council’s director of economic development, said: “This was a great opportunity to give recognition to the many volunteers that we’re blessed with in Rossendale”

Other winners included:

Sports Club of the Year - Haslingden Girls and Ladies FC;

Sports Coach of the Year - Graham Wright of Rossendale Harriers;

Young Sports Volunteer of the Year - Isobel McEwan .

Community Partnership Community Group (Whitworth) - University of the 3rd Age;

Community Partnership Community Group (Bacup) - Bacup Natural History Society and Museum;

Community Partnership Community Group (Rewtenstall) - Community First Responders; and

Community Partnership Community Group (Haslingden) - Haslingden and Helmshore Civic Pride.