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Two groups from South Ribble have been honoured for their community work at this year’s BBC Radio Lancashire Make a Difference Awards.
Karen Sutton Taylor, from Bamber Bridge, won the Fundraiser Award. She was recognised as a community hero for organising dozens of fundraising events each year, raising thousands of pounds for local charities.
The Green Award was taken away by nature-based therapy group, Guardians of Nature. They have transformed an unloved corner of Penwortham into a green space which benefits the community.
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Eight community awards were given out in total, recognising unsung heroes from across the county.
Hundreds of entries were whittled down to 32 finalists. The winners were announced at the annual ceremony, which took place on 21 September at the Blackpool Tower.
Graham Liver, BBC Radio Lancashire’s Breakfast show presenter hosted the awards. He said: “Our finalists represent the best of Lancashire and it’s our privilege to be able to give them some of the recognition they deserve and shine a light on their hard work.”
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Among the local volunteers was a person from Pendle who has helped thousands of disabled people, a great neighbour from Morecambe and an animal group from Lancaster who help cats in need.
Chris Burns the BBC’s Controller of Local Audio Commissioning added: “The Make a Difference Awards celebrate the good things that happen with our communities and it’s great to see that every year we see more and more nominations.
“The award ceremonies for me are a humbling experience and I feel privileged that we get to shine a light on these stories and give our listeners a chance to celebrate the unsung heroes where they live.”
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