THERE were tears, cheers and an ice bucket challenge laid down to the leader of the council, as eight unsung heroes were recognised at Blackburn with Darwen’s Good Neighbours Awards.

Dozens of nominees turned out for a heart-warming ceremony at King George’s Hall last night, which was the showpiece event of a campaign which has been backed by Prime Minister David Cameron, opposition leader Ed Miliband, and Blackburn MP Jack Straw.

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The awards were set up by Blackburn with Darwen Council, in partnership with the Lancashire Telegraph, to find residents who have made a real difference to someone’s life.

The youngest of the winners was Joe Lightbown, 17, of Bolton Road, who has spent hundreds of hours helping his neighbour Michael Crawford, who has Alzheimer’s Disease.

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The Blackburn College student started doing jobs for Michael last year when the 65-year-old’s carer was admitted to hospital.

He said: “I just got chatting to Michael one day and started helping him with things like shopping, and taking him out walking. We also managed to get hold of a pool table and darts board, which we’ve set up in his house, so he can play a bit of sport and keep active.

“Michael’s carer Tony Gouldsbrough nominated me and kept it a secret, and I’m really chuffed to have got an award.”

Joe won a year’s free gym membership, which was sponsored by Blackburn with Darwen Clinical Commissioning Group.

Council leader Kate Hollern got more than she bargained for when she called Revidge resident Rick Wilson to the stage to collect his award. The 46-year-old, who has inspired hundreds of people to join the 5k Group Run in Witton Park, challenged the Labour leader to an ‘ice bucket challenge’ before the group’s next mass run. Coun Hollern accepted, so will have a bucket of freezing water tipped over her head on Saturday morning, in aid of charity. Rick won a chance to watch a Blackburn Rovers first team training session.

Retired cleaner Pat Nunn, of Stonyhurst Road, was struggling to hold back tears as she collected her certificate. The 69-year-old was recognised for ‘going the extra mile’ to help her elderly neighbour over the past 15 years.

The grandmother-of-16 said: “I just call in every day and see what she wants, like shopping or other jobs around town. I wouldn’t like to see her struggle. I didn’t expect to get nominated at all. I’ve never even been to an award ceremony so it was quite emotional for me. It’s nice that they do this to recognise normal people.”

She won a Lancashire Telegraph trip to the Singing Legends Weekend in Blackpool.

Mother-of-four Tanya Foster, of Fielding Crescent, scooped her award for supporting her neighbour Michelle Dyson, whose nine-year-old son Connell has cerebral palsy.

She said: “I started helping Michelle with various things last year, and Connell is such a lovely lad, I just love being there for them. I’ll just keep doing what I’m doing.”

Tanya won a meal for two at The Pack Restaurant and Bar in Belthorn.

The oldest winner was Peter Leyden, 78, of Willow Bank, who regularly helps his neighbours by trimming their hedges, fixing fences and taking their bins out.

The other winners were Amanda Chinery, who won a Stanley House voucher donated by Capita, while Christine Walker, of Dukes Brow, and Rizwana Tai, of Chester Close, won £50 vouchers to spend at The Mall.

Dozens of nominees also attended the ceremony, along with people who were also recognised for being part of the council’s Your Call scheme.

Coun Hollern said: “The people on this stage don’t realise how special they are and everyone here has made a massive difference in the borough to make it a better place.

“The council can’t solve every problem on its own, we all need to work together.”

Emma Broom, assistant editor of the Lancashire Telegraph, said: “These awards are all about shining a spotlight on those people who do so much to help keep their neighbourhoods united but who do so very quietly and without seeking any praise.”