THE Blackburn Muslim Burial Society has been announced as the winner of The Leader’s Award at the One Voice Blackburn’s 1V Awards for 2021.

Representatives of the volunteer group will pick up their accolade at the One Voice’s annual dinner at King George’s Hall on Saturday.

Nominations for the award, which this year is sponsored by Blackburn with Darwen Council, were made by the public with the category highlighting people or groups promote community cohesion through integration and leadership.

Dozens of nominations were submitted.

The Blackburn Muslim Burial Society was founded five years ago to support bereaved families.

Volunteers offer a funeral arrangement service which dealings with all transportation, washing and shrouding, burial and prayers and paperwork.

Blackburn Muslim Burial Society leader Imran Patel said: "We’re delighted to be recognised in this way. It means that we are doing something right which is ultimately of the utmost importance."

Cllr Mohammed Khan, leader of the borough council, said: "The Blackburn Muslim Burial Society are worthy winners of this year’s award. The past 18 months have been especially tough for the volunteers with the challenges of Covid-19 but they been completely committed to their work to help make things easier for those who are sadly bereaved. They treat each burial as if it were a member of their own family."

Chairman of One Voice Abrar Hussain, said: "Blackburn Muslim Burial Society's work in the community over the last 18 months in particular has been both selfless and inspirational. They have truly supported families in their hour of need."