THE SEARCH is on to find East Lancashire's Neighbour of the Year as part of our Pride of East Lancashire Campaign. A number of nominations are for individuals who have helped one particular neighbour or a small group of residents in one street.

But Karen Lee, nominated by Eugene Hill, has worked for the last four years to improve neighbourhoods throughout south west Burnley. She says the area, particularly around Accrington Road, has numerous problems, including teenage pregnancies and drugs.

Her voluntary work with Stoops and Hargher Clough Community Centre helps towards addressing these and other community issues, particularly with local youth. It even provides breakfasts to pupils at Hargher Clough School which is opposite the centre.

Karen is also a director of Sorted Recycling Services Ltd, which is seeking funding to provide a community service which will include a furniture store, glass collection and the recycling of plastic containers and other materials.

Eugene, 57, who volunteers with Karen, said: "All this and Karen is a single parent mum. She puts a lot of effort in behind the scenes and spends all her free time helping others."

Karen, who lives in Piccadilly Road with her children Christopher, 14, and Elizabeth, six, said: "I think it is important for people to get involved and work towards improving their neighbourhoods. There are problems such as teenage pregnancies and drugs, but if people get involved they will find out more and could help."

If you know someone who has helped improve life for a neighbour or a number of residents in an area let us know by nominating them before September 30.

Thisislancashire's special Pride of East Lancashire section...