FIVE businesses and organisations, including the new £7.3m health centre, will be honoured in this year's Darwen Civic Society Civic Pride Awards.

Each year the society, which works towards the continued improvement of the town, acknowledges the work of individuals, groups and businesses who have helped enhance Darwen.

This year's awards will go to: Blackburn with Darwen Primary Care Trust for its new health centre; Helliwell's shoe repairs, Bridge Street; Hodkinson Florist, Duckworth Street; Darwen Osteopathic Clinic, Church Street; and Hargreaves of Farnworth developers, for its new housing estate behind Darwen Leisure Centre.

Civic Society secretary Marliyn Bysh said: "We hold these awards so people will take pride in Darwen. If they know there are awards they will hopefully make a special effort to enhance the area.

"The health centre was chosen because it is a good new facility for the whole community. Helliwell's is the only cobbler in this area and when they retire the nearest one will be in Rishton.

"After so many years they are getting a reward for their consistent service to the community and their lovely window display.

"The osteopathic clinic has been recognised for the sensitive restoration of the building so that it is in keeping with the area.

"And Hargreaves of Farnworth has been praised for its successful handling of the housing estate behind Darwen Leisure Centre."

Darwen councillor Eileen Entwistle said: "They are all worthy winners but particularly Helliwell's who have provided a really good service over many years. I don't know where else I will go when they retire.

I also think the owners of Hodkinson's have made a big difference with their new shop frontage and have improved the look of the whole street.

"Of course the health centre has lots of facilities for the community and I think it will save people from having to go to Blackburn where previously they may have had to.

"It is a lot bigger than the old health centre and although the site was originally criticised, it was the only place big enough to include all the facilities needed."

The awards were due to be presented by the Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen, Coun Yusuf Jan-Virmani, today at an event in Derwent Hall.

All the winners will receive a framed certificate from the Civic Society.