News: Red Rose County Honours Red Rose Heroes

Wednesday, 12th October 2004
(PR 1740)

The pride of Lancashire was on display when the county held its first Red Rose Awards.

Designed to celebrate selflessness and those who set a good example to others, Tuesday night's awards ceremony honoured Lancastrians in 11 categories.

Top award of Lifetime Lancastrian went to Sir Tom Finney, the Preston North End and England footballer who has remained true to his Lancashire roots.

Hundreds of nominations were received for the Preston Guild Hall awards that were backed jointly by Lancashire County Council, the Lancashire Evening Post, Rock FM, Magic 999, Lancashire Life and BBC Radio Lancashire.

County Councillor Hazel Harding, Lancashire County Council leader, said:

"The Red Rose Awards are all about rewarding those who really represent Lancashire at its best.

"We had hundreds of nominations - and each represented something very special. Each one of those people is an asset to their community and to the county as a whole.

"They made me proud to be a Lancastrian. These people represent the strength of character that really sets us apart. Every society ultimately rests on the desire to work together and help others - those qualities are alive and well.

"Sir Tom has been a lifelong ambassador for quiet dignity and modesty, despite his world-renowned talent. He is also one of the nicest people you could wish to meet."

The Red Rose Awards are to become an annual event. Each of the shortlisted nominees was invited to the awards ceremony.

Sir Tom, who received a lengthy standing ovation as his award was announced, said:

"I will always remember this particular night.

"The honour really belongs to many people - we have seen so many good deeds being celebrated tonight. They make me proud of my county."

Simon Reynolds, Lancashire Evening Post editor, added:

"The reason these awards are so important is that they are all about the community.

"They are about ordinary people who have done extraordinary things. In truth there are thousands of such people across Lancashire.

"Few seek glory - to them, the work they do is just a part of their nature. They are an example to us all."

Award winners:

Lifetime Lancastrian - Sir Tom Finney. Award presented by County Councillor Hazel Harding and featuring a tribute from former Liverpool and Scotland footballer Alan Hansen. Mr Hansen said:

"Sir Tom was the best player of his generation. There are not many players now who could lick his boots."

Teacher of the Year - Jill Howe, a teacher for 32 years at Cop Lane CE Primary School, Penwortham, and described by host Ted Robbins as "the loving heart of the school". Her award was presented by Rock FM presenter Dixie.

Also shortlisted were: Brian Souter, deputy headteacher at Southlands High School, Chorley, and Hilary Parkinson, of Our Lady and St John RC Art College, Blackburn.

Amateur Sportsperson - ice-skater Shelby-Jade France (8) from Chorley. Award presented by Blackpool Rovers footballers Matt Jansen and Nils-Eric Johansson.

Also shortlisted were: karate's Beverley Sturzaker (15), of Penwortham; runner Danielle McCann (17), of Ashton.

Health Worker Award - Margaret O'Donoghue, from Cottam and based at the Vine House Cancer Day Centre. Award presented by Peter Holland, of BBC North West.

Also shortlisted were: health visitor Shahida Hanif, Great Harwood; Doreen Murray, Much Hoole.

Community Team Award - the Holme Committee, Sabden. Award presented by Lancashire Evening Post editor Simon Reynolds.

Also shortlisted were: Chorley Healey Scout Group; Wade Hall Family Centre, Leyland.

Professional Sportsperson Award - cricketer Andrew Flintoff. Presented by Sir Tom Finney.

Also shortlisted: snooker player Ian McCulloch, Walton-le-Dale; Blackburn-born rugby player Will Greenwood; Burnley-born superbiker Neil Hodgson; Lancaster cyclist Jason Queally; Wigan Warriors rugby player Jason Robinson, formerly a Leyland resident.

Young Person Award - Catherine Bevan, Chantel Threlfall, Laura Fleetwood, Sarah Dewar, Stacey Walker, Emma Costello. The girls set up an anti-bullying club at Morecambe High School and also help at local primary schools. Award presented by pop group VS.

Also shortlisted: Rachel Foye, Clayton-le-Woods; Ashley Mercer (14), Cottam.

Businessperson of the Year - Simon House, Bolton-le-Sands. Award presented by County Councillor Niki Penney, chairman of Lancashire County Developments Ltd.

Also shortlisted: Julie Baillie, Cedar Farm, near Ormskirk; Steve Jackson, Leyland.

Community Champion Award - Lyn Garside. Works for Galloway Society for the Blind at Howick House, Penwortham. Award presented by the BBC's Stuart Flinders.

Also shortlisted: Dorothy McGregor, Accrington; Martin Vernon, Nelson.

Courage Award - Paul Leyden, of Blackpool. Rescued a drowning boy off North Pier, Blackpool. Award presented by Colonel John Bird, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Lancashire.

Also shortlisted: Harriet Gowan (10), Chorley; Kerrie Newsham, Stannah.

Entertainment Award - Steve Royle, entertainer across the world and regularly at Camelot Theme Park, Chorley. Award presented by County Councillor Nora Ward, Lancashire County Council chairman.

Also shortlisted: Accrington-born Vicky Entwistle (Coronation Street's Janice Battersby); Wallace and Grommit creator Nick Park, actor Andy Serkis, Chorley-based comedian Dave Spikey; pop group Starsailor; William Woodruff, author of the Nab End book series.

Notes for Editors

Pictures of all the winners are available from Neil Graham on 01772 531095.

For media enquiries only please contact: Neil Graham on 01772 531095

neil.graham@css.lancscc.gov.uk