Community heroes recognised

Green heroes, good neighbours and inspiring residents’ groups were recognised for making a difference in their neighbourhood at an awards ceremony last week.

Lisa Grant, from Wakefield, picked up the good neighbour accolade at Wakefield District Housing’s Love Where You Live Awards at the Cedar Court Hotel in Wakefield.

She has created many different clubs to help people suffering from loneliness, including one for the elderly, a gardening club and a community choir.

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She also co-founded one of the largest food banks in West Yorkshire and has delivered thousands of food parcels to those in need.

Mark Roberts, the founder of Kettlethorpe Guardians Boxing Club For Young People, picked up the working with young people award.

He dedicates four evenings a week on a voluntary basis to engage with children and young adults in Kettlethorpe.

Benson Lane Tenants and Residents’ Association was named the best neighbourhood group while Ben Wormstone and Paula and Terry Armitage, of Newfield House in Normanton, won the green hero category.

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Havercroft Parents’ Forum picked up the best community group trophy for the second year running and Brenda Thorpe, from Ryhill, won the working with older people trophy.

The winner of each category bagged £500 to donate to a community group of their choice, courtesy of sponsors Sodexo, and the event raised £400 for local food banks.

Ms Grant said: “It’s amazing to win but it really is a team effort and I really can’t take the credit.

“I work with an amazing team of people. The £500 will go towards our emergency food store.”

Kevin Dodd, WDH’s chief executive, said: “There is a great deal of hard work going on across the district to make our communities better places to live and local people are at the heart of this.”