Children from schools across Blackburn with Darwen are being invited to get creative and design fabulous centrepieces for an awards ceremony.

They will go on display at the Community Volunteer Awards, at King George's Hall on the evening of Thursday, November 2. 

The awards, which are now in their fifth year, recognise individuals and groups who go the extra mile to make lives better for residents across the borough. 

The Community Volunteer Awards are a collaboration between Blackburn with Darwen Council and Community CVS, and are sponsored by a variety of local businesses and public sector organisations.

Organisers are moving towards a more eco–friendly event. Instead of buying balloons and decoartions that can end up in landfill, they would like the children of Blackburn with Darwen to create unique centrepieces using recycled items.

This year, the new Smile award is up for grabs for the best environment project for which the centrepiece is the focus. The winner will be invited along to the event to enjoy the evening and receive their award.

The theme is 'nature' and the centrepiece can be up to one metre high and  30cm in diameter. It can be any shape and entrants can use whatever materials they like. The colour theme is gold, silver, black and white.

All pieces need to be ready for Friday, October 13, for photographs to be submitted for judging on Monday, October 16. Winners will be notified on Tuesday October 17 and can bring up to 10 guests of teachers and students. 

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Garth Hodgkinson, chief executive officer of Community CVS, said: "The Community Volunteer Awards are a truly fantastic way of showcasing the amazing work of volunteers and volunteer-run groups in Blackburn with Darwen."

For more info contact Donna Talbot at Community CVS - donna.talbot@communitycvs.org.uk/ 01254 583957