Local heroes who have been making a difference in their communities have been shortlisted as finalists in a community award scheme run by BBC Radio Lancashire.

And 16 of the nominated finalists are from East Lancashire after the public were urged to put forward people and groups they though deserved recognition earlier this year.

BBC Radio Lancashire created the Make a Difference Awards to recognise remarkable people across the country, marking their achievements and contributions to their communities.

The eight categories range from great neighbours and inspirational fundraisers, to thoughtful volunteers and outstanding community groups.

BBC Radio Lancashire’s Breakfast presenter, Graham Liver, said: “I’m so proud that we can recognise brilliant Lancastrians who really care about where they live.

“Our finalists don’t do it for the recognition but I'm delighted that we can say thank you to these unsung heroes”.

Chris Burns, the BBC’s Controller of Local Audio Commissioning said: “A huge thank you to everyone who nominated someone, we have some amazing stories and are looking forward to celebrating our local heroes in September.”

The finalists for the BBC Radio Lancashire Make a Difference Awards

The Volunteer Award

  • Colin Tandy, South Ribble
  • John East, Blackburn-with-Darwen
  • Madison Marsden, Blackpool
  • Paul Durham, Chorley

The Community Group Award

  • Behind Closed Doors, Wyre
  • Benefit Mankind, Blackburn-with-Darwen
  • HALF Fish HQ, Blackburn-with-Darwen
  • Talkin' Tables, Chorley

The Fundraiser Award

  • Ann Coles, South Ribble
  • Daniel Duerden, Pendle
  • Lorraine Wilson, Hyndburn
  • Raja Aslam, Blackburn-with-Darwen

The Carer Award

  • Ben Abbott, Blackburn-with-Darwen
  • Carl Eaton, West Lancashire
  • Gabriella and Jasmine Tuicicia, Lancaster
  • Saima Ashraf, Blackburn-with-Darwen

The Great Neighbour Award

  • Civic Pride Rossendale, Rossendale
  • Dilawar Hussain, South Ribble
  • Friends of St Anne’s Station, Fylde
  • Susan Flynn, Hyndburn

The Bravery Award

  • ISAR Lancashire, Lancashire
  • Mia Oldroyd, Ribble Valley
  • PC Jack Ineson and PC Marc Saysell, Lancashire
  • Trawden4Ukraine, Pendle

The Green Award

  • Active Cycles, Hyndburn
  • Charge My Street, Lancaster
  • Leyland in Bloom, South Ribble
  • The Little Potting Club, Blackburn-with-Darwen

The Together Award

  • Clitheroe Parish Church AODS, Ribble Valley
  • Gannow Community Centre, Burnley
  • Lancaster Bulldogs WBC, Lancaster
  • Windrush Initiatives CIC, Preston

The winners will be announced at a ceremony at Chorley Town Hall in September.