The winners of the BBC Radio Lancashire Make a Difference Awards 2022 have been revealed with three of the eight being from Blackburn.
Sarah Bernasconi-Parsons, Muhammad Abdulrashid and Blackburn Central High School all scooped a gong at last Saturday’s awards ceremony.
The idea of the BBC Radio Lancashire Make a Difference Awards is to recognise unsung heroes from across the county – reflecting everything from good neighbours to voluntary work.
Hundreds of entries were whittled down to 32 finalists and the eight winners were announced at the annual ceremony, which this year took place at Lancaster Town Hall.
BBC Radio Lancashire’s Breakfast show presenter, Graham Liver, hosted the awards.
Speaking at the event, Graham said:
“Each year, I am in awe of the fantastic work carried out by our finalists.
Each of them are simply amazing in their own way and I’m so pleased that BBC Radio Lancashire has been able to shine a light on their hard work and give them some of the recognition they deserve”.
Councillor Phil Riley, Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, and Chief Executive Denise Parks were invited to attend the ceremony.
Councillor Phil Riley said:
“I was incredibly proud to be at the event on Saturday with our Chief Executive to cheer on the finalists.
To have three of the eight winners from our borough was just fantastic – they are all truly making a difference to where we live and it was a privilege to see them on stage collecting their awards.
I’d like to say a huge congratulations to them and all the winners and finalists, also to BBC Radio Lancashire – it was great to celebrate our county’s true community heroes”.
Winner Muhammad featured in the council’s engine idling campaign earlier in the year – taking it upon himself to knock on car windows and educate drivers about the dangers.
The Environmental Award – Muhammad Abdulrashid (Blackburn)
10-year-old Muhammad spends his spare time educating drivers on the dangers of engine idling, litter picking and ensuring his neighbourhood is clean and tidy.
