AN ELECTRICAL contractors company has been presented with a mayoral award for its "outstanding contribution to the local community."

This comes thanks to Darwen-based Elektec's work during the pandemic providing free portable appliance testing to places of worship, charities, including Blackburn Youth Zone, and companies that work in the community's interest throughout the borough.

As such Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen Cllr Derek Hardman said the firm is hugely deserving of the honour.

He said: “I was delighted to award Elektec with Mayoral award, it was great to visit them to hear about the support our youth have received at Blackburn Youth Zone from this company.

"Blackburn Youth Zone relies on a number of local people and companies to keep it running.

"The upgraded work carried out by Elektec has meant the money saved can be used to support the service’s delivered to our youth."

The Darwen company's work has also included providing LED lighting, heating and commissioning a hand painted mural for Secret Santa CIC

Secret Santa CIC Director Phil Boulding said: "Absolutely brilliant, thumbs up!

"They are a small company with hearts the size of lions, they are helping everywhere all over the community."

Elektec has also sponsored the Sunflower Appeal at East Lancashire Hospice, along with PAT testing their sites and sponsoring AFC Darwen Under 12s football club in the names of both Elektec and East Lancashire Hospice.

East Lancashire Hospice fundraiser Leanne Green said: "A huge thank you to all of the team at Elektec for their amazing, continuous support and dedication to their local hospice."

Elektec have recently been shortlisted for the BIBAs Construction Business of the year award run by the North and Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce.

The firm has also recruited fours apprentices throughout the pandemic, become Enterprise Ambassadors for Inspira and signed up to the Lancashire Skills Pledge.