A group of teenagers hosting a Blackburn community awards have been unveiled.

Aisha Hussain will be the youngest host for the 1V Awards ceremony will take place on Saturday, February 17, at King George’s Hall.

Thirteen-year-old Aisha, will be joined by Zainab Hanslod, 15, Mustafa Ahmed, 15, and Zainab Ahmed, 15. They will be representing the various youth groups run by One Voice Blackburn.

The charity allows a young person to host the celebration, and the 2024 Awards Dinner will be the ninth time young people have taken to the stage.

Aisha is part of the award-winning West End Girls (WEGs) group run by One Voice.

Aisha said: “I am extremely excited about being the youngest ever host for the 1V Awards Dinner. I feel confident and optimistic, and will ensure that I enjoy the experience.

This year's sponsored by Together Housing and Newground Together, celebrates the achievements of individuals and groups in Blackburn with Darwen. 

Mustafa Ahmed is a student at Clitheroe Grammar High School, and is part of the East End Boys (EEBs), and 1V Sports.

He said: “I am both excited and nervous at the same time. However, we are getting plenty of practice to ensure that everything goes really well on the night.

Zainab Ahmed is a Year 10 student at Pleckgate High School, and has been part of 1V Scouts since she was eight.

She added: “I was really shocked to be asked to be part of the hosting team. I am really honoured, and I simply can’t wait for what promises to be an amazing evening.”

One Voice Blackburn chief executive, Zaffer Khan, said:  “Young people are at the front and centre of One Voice Blackburn so it is only right that they are centre-stage.

"This is a very young town with bristling talent among the young people. If the last decade of our event is anything to go by, they have performed brilliantly.

"It might surprise some, but this does not surprise me in the slightest.

"In fact, each year there is a very competitive process for the selection of the hosts. 

“The 2023 hosts Aleeza Isa and Alisha Seedat also got the opportunity to conduct the Blackburn Christmas Lights Switch On show a few months ago. These young people are both respected and revered.”