Local heroes honoured

At a glittering dinner held in the 1882 Lounge at Turf Moor, Burnley care home worker Tony Grundy was given a standing ovation after being named as the overall Local Hero 2013.

As entertainments manager of Heather Grange Nursing Home, Tony goes out of his way to engage with his elderly residents through music, quizzes, even manicures and pedicures.

And it was fitting, given the venue, that the guest of honour was Clarets boss Sean Dyche who looked visibly moved as the stories of winners and nominees were read out.

Introducing the evening, the managing director of 2BR Simon Brierley praised the efforts of all those nominated across Burnley, Pendle and Hyndburn and said that they had all played a major part in creating a better East Lancashire for everyone.

One of the biggest cheers of the night went to four-year-old Charlie Cooper Ellis who picked up the Bravery Award.

Charlie was nominated for the bravery he has shown in dealing with all life has thrown at him. Shortly after birth he suffered blood clots on the brain shortly and serious kidney damage, meaning much of his early life has been spent on dialysis. He has just successfully undergone a kidney transplant, with the organ being donated by his proud dad.

The Child of Courage accolade was presented to eight-year-old Charlotte Neve. Charlotte suffered a brain haemorrhage and multiple strokes, but defied the odds and medical opinion when she walked out of hospital just months later.

Padiham’s Ann Bartlett was named as Good Neighbour of the Year. Ann was nominated for her efforts in the Stonemoor Bottom area of Padiham for planting bulbs, running football and cheerleading teams and helping people resolve their housing problems.

Kelly Forbes won the Heart of Gold category for her work at the Fraser Street Project in Britain where she runs sessions for local children.

AWARD WINNERS:

Public Service Person Award: Supported by Walker Farrimond Citroen . Winner: Lorraina Darcy; nominated by John Darcy.

Fund-raiser of the Year: Supported by Belvoir Lettings.

Winner: Nanette Waters; nominated by Laura Waters.

Heart of Gold Award: Supported by Stanley House Vets.

Winner: Kelly Forbes, nominated by Frances Monk .

Carer of the Year Award: Supported by Specsavers Burnley and Nelson. Winner: Tony Grundy; nominated by: Linda Gibbings.

Community Champion of the Year Award : Supported by Housing Pendle. Winner: Derek Whittaker; nominated by Kane Carlile.

Child of Courage Award: Supported by Kinderbear Nursery. Winner: Charlotte Neve; nominated by Lindsay Anderson.

Good Neighbour Award: Supported by Calico. Winner: Ann Bartlett; nominated by Daryl Graham.

Bravery Award: Supported by Lakeview Nursery. Winner: Charlie Cooper Ellis; nominated by Sammie Sawley.

Teacher of the Year Award: Supported by Holiday Inn Express. Winner: Lesley Pemberton; nominated by Lucy Pemberton.

Pride of Pendle Award: Supported by Farmhouse Biscuits. Winner: Dorothy Lord, nominated by Julie Illingworth .

Employee of the Year Award: Supported by New Call Telecom. Winner: Lisa Waddington; nominated by Louise Wilkinson.

2BR Local Hero Award: Supported by NR Engineering. Winner: Tony Grundy, Heather Grange Nursing Home.