Last updated at 22:29, Thursday, 04 March 2010

A CELEBRATION of people who improve life for those around them took place last night.

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The Love Barrow Community Awards recognises the unsung heroes, from primary school children to pensioners, who enrich our area through their selflessness, compassion, determination and courage.

Five individuals and a neighbourhood project scooped the top accolades at the packed ceremony held at Abbey House Hotel.

In a society where youngsters receive some negative press it was reassuring to see so many young people nominated.

Two gongs went to Keiron Christian and Sam Stitt, who were awarded Young Citizen of the Year and Carer of the Year. Seventeen-year-old Keiron was a troublemaker but has turned his life around to help other youngsters at risk of offending.

Sam is a true hero to his mum, who suffers from bi-polar and agoraphobia.

He’s head of his household at just 15, caring for his mum and two younger sisters, yet accepts his responsibilities without complaint.

New categories this year included 999 Hero of the Year which was awarded to PC Ollie Hamilton who has served the ward of Ormsgill for the past seven years.

PC Hamilton has earned the trust of residents and raised the profile of the police.

And Teacher of the Year went to Colin Smith, who is retiring as head of Greengate Junior School this summer after 25 years.

The Group/Project of the Year was handed to the Green Heart Den, which is a perfect example of what can be achieved when neighbours work together with a common aim.

They now have a community garden in place of a magnet for fly-tippers and drug users.

On a night for unsung heroes few could surpass the achievements of Bernard McNamee, winner of Citizen of the Year.

The 79-year-old has spent more than 60 of those years helping others.

He moved to Askam in the 1960s and threw himself into community life through his involvement with the church, the Scout group, pigeon and rugby clubs and the Old Time Dance Club.

But his greatest achievement was establishing Duddon Inshore Rescue. He has been involved in over 500 incidents in its 39-year history and although he retired as president at the start of this year, Mr McNamee continues to be at the end of the phone should the service need his assistance. Mr McNamee is very much appreciated by the Askam community who nominated him for the award.

Speaking on behalf of the judging committee, PC John Irving said: “We wanted to honour the work carried out by many people in our town and neighbourhoods. Barrow is a safe, strong and friendly borough, people spend a lot of their time helping others for no reward.

“The event has recognised many of the people and groups that work so hard and brings them all together to share their experiences and to celebrate their commitment. We all love Barrow and want to keep it a safe, strong, clean and green place for us to live and work in.”

This year’s event was sponsored by the North West Evening Mail, West Lakes Renaissance, StreetSafe, The Bay and Furness Building Society.

First published at 11:49, Saturday, 14 March 2009
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk