The Community Volunteer Awards have annouced their list of finalists ahead of the ceremony in November.
The Community CVS and Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council hosted a judging event earlier this month.
Chief Executive of Community CVS, Garth Hodgkinson said: "It’s been inspiring to see such an incredible range of nominations this year.
"We’re truly grateful to everyone who took the time to put forward an individual, group or organisation for recognition – the quality was outstanding and gave our judging panel a very difficult task.
"We can’t wait to gather at Blackburn Rovers’ Ewood Park in November with our finalists to celebrate their passion, commitment and the vital role they play in strengthening communities across Blackburn with Darwen."
The winners will be announced at a special awards presentation evening at Ewood Park on Thursday November, 6.
The awards evening will honour the often unsung heroes of Blackburn with Darwen. Individuals and groups who have 'volunteered their time, energy and expertise' to supporting others.
Award categories include: People, Prosperity, Planet, Peace, Place, Participation, Young Person and Lifetime Achievement.
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Councillor Phil Riley, said, "It’s wonderful to see a record number of nominations for this year’s awards. Blackburn with Darwen has always been a borough that comes together in the face of challenges and nowhere is that more evident than in our incredible community spirit.
"The Community Volunteer Awards capture this perfectly and stand as a true reflection of the dedication, compassion and tireless commitment of those who give their time every single day to make our borough a better place.
"Once again, this year’s nominees are truly inspiring. Every volunteer and community champion deserves the highest recognition and our sincere gratitude. We are immensely proud that so many people across Blackburn with Darwen devote their energy to supporting others and making a real difference in people’s lives."
The finalists for 2025 are:
People – Individual
- William Morris – Creative Football
- Peter Bond – Northwest Ambulance Service
- Neil Shorrock – Royal British Legion
People – Group
- No.1 Coffee Shop
- BwD Hyndburn & Ribble Valley Samaritans
- BwD First Responders
Prosperity – Individual
- Marguerite Webb – CANW
- Benedict Gavin – Community CVS
- David Garth – Spark
Prosperity – Group
- Shelter Volunteers
- St James Ash Grove Community Centre
- Rummage Rescuers
Planet – Individual
- Rob Wensley – Revidge Allotment Association
- Chloe Dunne – Rummage Rescuers
- Betty Mossop- Shorey Bank Darwen
Planet – Group
- Corporation Park Community Garden
- Bank Top Community Garden
- Rummage Rescuers
Peace – Individual
- Sally – The Wish Centre
- Robert Wensley – Revidge Allotment Association
- Nicola Holden – Spark
Peace – Group
- Blackburn Rovers Community Trust
- Community Harmony Project
- BwD Samaritans
Place – Individual
- John Gettins – Shelter
- Christine Robinson – Grace Pentecostal Church
- Daniel Bates – No1 Coffee Shop
Place – People
- Bank Top Community Garden
- Friends of Darwen Cemetery
- Blackburn Vineyard Children’s Storehouse
Participation – Individual
- Peter Scott – Darwen Tennis Club
- Susie Veevers – Immanuel Feniscowles Scout Group
- Mark Emery – Darwen Cricket Club
Participation – Group
- Friends of Darwen Cemetery
- Veterans Living History Museum CIC
- SAS Rights
Young Person
- Maariyah Dudwala – Citizens Advice Witness Service
- Carmen – East Lancs Hospice
- Sophie Homer – National Festival of Making
Lifetime
- Christine Robinson – Grace Pentecostal Church
- Yaqoob Hussain MBE
- Daniel Cavello
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