Meet Burnley's six local heroes....

ABDUL SALEK

(underground car park, Burnley centre)

The 26-year-old has been a youth and arts worker in Burnley since he left school.

Born in Rawtenstall and brought up in Burnley, he lives in the Stoneyholme and Daneshouse area and is proud to celebrate his South Asian heritage through his creative community work in music and theatre.

He writes original music based on the South Asian traditions with an added western twist.

Nominated by David Smith at Mid Pennine Arts, Abdul was praised for his commitment in encouraging young people in the town to become more involved in arts and music.

He said: "It is fantastic the Big Art Project has chosen Burnley, because Burnley has got all these stereotypical views of being known as an old mill town. In 10 years from now, young people can look back at what has been achieved through the Big Art Project and will know they helped to create that and know that art is something they can do and be involved with and make a career out of."

Parvinder Sohal, chairman of Hyndburn Mela Committee, paid tribute to Abdul: "I have known him for the past seven years. I first met him through More Music in Morecambe.

"At that time we had acquired some Asian instruments and want to start some music workshops with young people. Abdul was one of the musicians who was involved in our project and his enthusiasm and willingness to share and learn helped our project go from strength to strength.

"The young people who took part in the workshops found Abdul's method of working very encouraging and supportive his easy and patience way of explaining made them want to learn more which was very inspiring.

"The project went on to become independent and has gone from strength to strength and I believe Abdul has made a positive contribution to this. He is always ready and willing to help with any workshops or events."


PAUL AURAS

(side of building in Bankfield)


Perhaps one of the best know figures in Burnley town centre, 29-year-old Paul has been selling the Big Issue in the North outside Marks and Spencer for four years.

Originally from Romania, Paul was nominated by the 15 young people involved in developing the Big Art Project in Burnley.

Paul said he is delighted to have been nominated and added: "The people of Burnley are always friendly. I smile at them and everyone smiles back. It is very nice."

In their nomination, the young people said: "Everyone knows Paul, he's always outside Marks and Spencer. We meet our friends there at his spot and he is always friendly.

"At Christmas he sings his Big Issue song to Christmas carols. We believe he is the only Big Issue seller on YouTube."


FRAN MONK

(Charter Walk)


Mother-of-six Fran was spurred into community action after her experiences of the disturbances of 2001.

She said: "There was chaos and it was a really scary time. There were no facilities for young people and nowhere for them to go that was safe and secure."

The 42-year-old, whose children are aged between 10 and 22 and who lives between Duke Bar and Queensgate, worked with close friend Amanda Chapman to secure funding and develop a host of community and youth support groups. She has also worked with other agencies and voluntary groups on community cohesion issues.

She was nominated by Adha Bond of Burnley's Community Network.

She said: "Fran came to see me four years ago as a mother who wanted to get engaged in the voluntary work on her town. Since then there has been no stopping her.

"She has formed her own residents' group and has engaged children into various activities. She has been very active in the Community Empowerment Network and recently secured her own building to give a place to the children.

"She has a lovely bubbly personality and her heart is in the right place."


NEIL TRANMER

(Charter Walk)


Born and raised in Burnley, Neil has been headteacher at Brunshaw Primary for 12 years.

He says his guiding philosophy is "valuing the children and young people of Burnley and striving to inspire them so they can achieve their full potential".

Inspired by the Big Art Project in Burnley, he said: "Young people are the future of this town, they have a voice and that should be listened to much more often than it is."

He was nominated by Pete Moser, director of More Music in Morecambe and Creative Partnerships' artistic director for Brunshaw Primary School.

He said: "Neil has created a school where everyone can find a place to play, where staff are empowered to discover their own potential and where children feel valued, honoured and respected."


BERTIE BEE

(Ashfield Road viaduct)


The Burnley Football Club mascot was nominated by Wayne Harris because he is a fun character who epitomises the town.

A spokesman for Burnley Football Club said "We are delighted to see Bertie Bee included in the Big Art Project.

"Bertie is a loveable character who has clearly struck a chord with Clarets supporters of all ages.

"He is an instantly recognisable ambassador for much of our community work and continues to hopefully attract a new legion of young supporters."


PHILIP J. HINDLE

(Charter Walk)


The drama workshop leader at Burnley Youth Theatre was born and raised in Burnley.

Philip (39), who is also actor/dramatist in residence at Unity College, is convinced of the power of drama to inspire young people and help them discover new skills, confidence and talents.

Known as Pip by his drama groups, Philip was nominated by Hannah, one of the Burnley Big Art group of young people.

Philip said: "I think the education system nowadays is too focused on academic skills. While it is very important to recognise academic talent, it is also important to realise not everyone has those abilities.

"Drama can really empower young people of all academic levels, offering positive ways in which they can express themselves as they work with others towards a common goal."

He is delighted to have been nominated as one of the Local Heroes and added: "I was speechless when I found out; I don't view myself as a hero. I just feel very fortunate to be able to get up in the morning and look forward to going to work where I am often humbled by the creativity of the young people. They are the true heroes.

"I think it is great that local communities can recognise local people
who they feel contribute to their community."