Dozens of volunteers from Blackburn with Darwen's communities were thanked for their contributions at a special awards ceremony.
The Community Volunteer Awards, at King George’s Hall on Thursday, were hosted by the BBC’s Graham Liver.
All 21 awards were presented to people and groups who go the extra mile to support others, and help make their neighbourhoods better places to live.
Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, Councillor Phil Riley, said: "Blackburn with Darwen is a friendly, neighbourly place with a strong ‘can do’ spirit.
"I’m always hugely impressed and inspired by the hundreds of people in our borough who give their time and energy, week in, week out, providing support of all kinds across our communities, with the aim of making people’s lives better.
"These contributions cannot be understated and I’m really pleased that we can come together at least once a year to recognise and reward our volunteers.
"Thank you for everything that you do."
A record-breaking 713 nominations were received, which is the highest number ever for the awards, showing the gratitude that people feel for all the work put in by the borough’s volunteers and helpers over the past year.
Group winners of the Health and Wellbeing Award, Shad Chefs, said: "It was a surreal night.
"To be stood in that room with the creme de la creme of Blackburn with Darwen's Volunteer community was more than enough for us.
"To then walk away with the award for the Community Health and Wellbeing Group Award was the icing on the cake.
"We love what we do and love experiences like this. On to the next."
The Community Volunteer Awards were jointly arranged and hosted by Blackburn with Darwen Council and Community CVS, with support from local businesses and community organisations.
Garth Hodgkinson, chief executive of Community CVS, said: "Each year I am blown away by the voluntary efforts that take place within Blackburn with Darwen.
"Anyone and everyone can volunteer. The youngest nomination was aged eight, and the oldest aged 90.
"To everyone who already volunteers: thank you for helping to make a difference. To everyone who might not have taken the plunge: why not have a go? Together we can achieve so much more.
"May I thank our 18 sponsors who support the awards. Without your support, we would be unable to put on this remarkable event."
Denise Park, Chief Executive of Blackburn with Darwen Council, added: "Attending the Community Volunteer Awards is always heartening and uplifting – I really enjoy celebrating our borough’s amazing volunteer.
"They make me even more proud of our borough and the community spirit that we have here.
"I’m delighted this year that a Council employee and a councillor are among the winners. Congratulations to them both, along with all the other very worthy award winners."
Here is the complete list of winners for the Community Volunteer Awards 2023:
Health and Wellbeing Award:
Individual – Si Donnell
Group – Shad Chefs
Prosperity, Learning and Employment:
Individual – Vicky McGurk
Group – Community & Business Partners
Grass Roots Community Action:
Individual – Sarah Bernasconi-Parsons
Group – Clifton Arms
Young People’s Award:
Individual – Becky Shaw
Group – BwD Parents in Partnership
Renee Black Award:
ARC
Environment Award:
Individual – Roy Parker
Group – Blackburn Volunteer Lock Keepers
Smile Award:
Winner – Blackburn Central High School
Runners-up – Patricia Panagachi, Witton Park High School; Mustafa Erfan, Witton Park High School
Culture, Leisure and Sporting Life Award:
Individual – John Clucas
Group – Blackburn Pride
Lindsay Dunn Award:
Individual – Sarah Bernasconi-Parsons
Group – Ayup Sultan Trust
CVS Special Award for Outstanding Service:
John East
Community Involvement Award:
Clifton Arms
Good Neighbour Award:
Roy Parker
Volunteer of the Year:
Sarah Bernasconi-Parsons
Lifetime Achievement Award:
Gordon Fairweather
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