Tributes were paid to community champions at Blaby District Council’s twelfth Outstanding Achievement Awards on Thursday 1 October.

The celebration was held at the Marriott Leicester where four of Blaby District’s finest groups and individuals were chosen from eight fantastic finalists.

Finalists included Lorna Murphy-Welch, who has spent eight years as a Blaby Police Volunteer, conducting numerous home security visits, providing reassurance and advice to vulnerable victims of burglary.

Also praised were Huncote Lunch Club, who have been offering members of the community a chance to share a meal and companionship. Sara Alexander won Good Friend/Good Neighbour for her selfless acts in the face of adversity, whilst young football coach and referee Harry McLean took the Young Achiever of the Year honour.

Councillor Terry Richardson, (right) Leader of Blaby District Council, said:

“We are extremely proud of Blaby District and it’s important we recognise and celebrate all the brilliant things that people in our district do.

This is the twelfth consecutive year we have held the awards and we are continuing to shine the spotlight on those who have enhanced the quality of people’s lives.”

The awards are funded entirely through the generous sponsorship of Blaby District-based businesses Casepak, Fosse Shopping Park, Marriott Leicester, Ford and Slater, Westleigh Developments and Aggregate Industries.

Full list of winners and runners up:

Good Friend/Good Neighbour
– Winner: Sara Alexander,
– Runner up: Ann Haywood.

Volunteer of the Year
Winner: Lorna Murphy-Welch,
Runner up: Anne Martin.

Young Achiever of Year
Winner: Harry McLean,
Runner up: Charlie Combey.

Best Community Group/Community Achievement
Winner: Huncote Lunch Club,
Runner Up: Countesthorpe Cricket Club.

For more information
visit www.blaby.gov.uk/awards,
or email public.relations@blaby.gov.uk
or call 0116 272 7577.