Unsung Sefton and West Lancashire Community Heroes honoured

Jun 18 2009 by Nick Moreton, Bootle Times

Community Heroes

UNSUNG heroes from across Sefton and West Lancashire were honoured at a glittering awards ceremony on Monday night.

More than 130 people attended Southport Theatre and Convention Centre for the Community Heroes Awards 2009, backed by the Bootle Times.

The awards recognised the selfless acts and work of individuals, schools, organisations and even an animal from across the region.

Dignitaries including Mayor of Sefton, Cllr Alf Doran, and the Mayor of West Lancashire, Cllr Geoff Roberts, joined guests for a drinks reception and three course meal in the centre’s Waterfront Suite.

The heroes and their friends and families were also entertained by the Formby High School arts college gospel choir.

Receiving a special and surprise award on the night was former group editor of Trinity Mirror’s weekly titles across Merseyside, Jane Daly, who first approached Rotary about extending their awards across the region and without whom the awards would not be the success they are.

The awards, sponsored by ScottishPower, were organised by Mediamix titles including the Bootle Times along with Rotary clubs across Sefton and West Lancashire.

The evening was compered by radio personality Debi Jones, with guests including Heather MacDonald, Richard Tasker and Roy Jones from sponsors Scottish Power and representatives from the various Rotary clubs.

Richard Tasker, head of Customer Contact (South) at Scottish Power, said: "Every time there’s a new story.

"We went from the guy who drove to Greece in an old van powered by old chip fat to a blind lady who has spent 10 years helping other people who are visually impaired or blind.

"We’ve heard some fantastic stories from children here and people who have saved lives and really contributed to their community, and we’re very proud to be involved."

Mayor of Sefton, Cllr Alf Doran, said: "We see an awful lot in the media about people doing bad things, so to come and be present when there’s a load of people being rewarded for actually doing good deeds, and for being able to make a massive contribution to our society and our community, is wonderful."

Ian Hitchcock, from the Rotary Club of Southport, said: "These awards are really to give recognition to people for what they’ve done."

"Congratulations to all those who won because they all did more than was expected of them."

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