RESIDENTS have submitted a record number of nominations for a borough's Community Volunteer Awards.

Blackburn with Darwen Council has received a total of 416 nominations have been received, which is the highest number ever.

The awards celebrate the people and groups who make a difference in the borough and the record figure reflects the contribution its volunteers have made during the coronavirus pandemic.

Cllr Mohammed Khan, leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: "The amount of nominations received for this year’s award is fantastic, and is a testament to the dedication and tireless work of the volunteers and helpers here in our borough.

"This is especially true over the last year and a half, when we have been battling the pandemic and the huge changes in people’s lives.

"I am sure it is going to be extremely difficult to narrow down these incredible nominations. Every volunteer and community champion deserves recognition and thanks for their work, and we should be really proud that we have so many people in Blackburn with Darwen who work hard every day to help make it a better place.”

The awards ceremony will take place on Wednesday, November 3rd at King George’s Hall.

They had to be postponed last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.