Children and adults from Leyland were celebrated for volunteering at Progress Housing Group’s Community Champions Awards.
The award show took place on Friday 20 March, at The Mill in Lostock Hall, and highlighted what groups and volunteers had done to help others.
Progress Housing Group is a social housing provider and gave awards to volunteers such as Stephen Rayner, the nine-year-old, who won the gold award in the Young Community Champions category for litter picking in Wade Hall.
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This was part of the Wade Hall Litter Pick Heroes group set up by Stephen’s mum April who was also recognised on the night.
Stephen said: “I have been learning about climate change, and I want to make the world a better place.”
Silver went to Jimmy Massam: a teen who had supported a community café and shop in Leyland called The Base.
As for bronze, seven-year-old Alannah Morris won for dedication to local causes and preparing Christmas hampers for families.
Gemma Sleight, Alannah’s mum, won bronze in the Progress Tenant Community Champions category for charity work advocating for survivors of domestic abuse.
She said: “I feel really proud that someone has taken the time to nominate myself and Alannah
“It is really important to give back to the community that helped me.”
Bob Sharples from Stanner Lodge was the winner of the gold award in the Progress Tenant Category, ahead of ten others, for showing kindness and support, helping neighbours out with shopping, doctors appointments and daily tasks.
He said: “I feel so surprised. I do it because I want to.
“I have been volunteering or more than 50 years. If I can help anybody, I will.”
Sandra Sherliker was awarded silver for organising community events in Leyland.
The Group Community Champions category saw Community Network Outreach Service (CNOS) win gold for giving support and activities to Leyland Residents.
Volunteers at Wade Hall Community Group The Base got silver whilst those from St Mary’s Community Centre got the bronze award.
The individual category for this award had Sophi Wilding, founder of CNOS, awarded gold with silver going to Brian King, member of Leyland Round Table and bronze for Janet Malone for helping with shared meals and companionship at St Mary’s Community centre.
Another award was the RWP Supported Living Community Champions, and Julie Cansfield from Leyland took the bronze for supporting arts and craft and helping at church by volunteering.
Jacqui De-Rose is the Group Chief Executive of Progress Housing Group.
She said: “Our Community Champions Awards are a celebration and a thank you to volunteers, as without them, our communities would not have the help and support that makes the world a better place to live.
“We wish to say a huge thank you to South Ribble Borough Council Mayor Paul Wharton-Hardman for joining in with our celebration tonight to hand out the awards.
“We are also grateful to our contractors who have each sponsored a category: Broad Oak Group, 4 Seasons Lawn and Garden, Maintec and Green Grant Installs.”
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