Selfless residents whose dedication to the community is a shining example to others have been celebrated at an awards evening.

Shipley Community Heroes honoured the individuals and groups who volunteer their time to make the town and its surrounding areas a better place.

Councillor David Heseltine, (Con, Bingley) presented the awards at last night’s event in Victoria Hall, Saltaire.

Retired book binder Christine Simpson, 65, of Baildon, won the Individual Adults category in recognition of 32 years of voluntary work with the Guides Association in Baildon.

Her two sons were in the audience to applaud her receiving the plaque.

She said: “I like to see the girls progress from coming in as shy ten-years-olds to coming out at the end with confidence and commitment to the community.”

Titus Salt School pupil Cory Whelan, 13, who has Irlen Syndrome which affects his ability to distinguish between black and white, won the Individual Young People accolade.

He represents Shipley as a member of Bradford and Keighley Youth Parliament and has spoken to the Shipley Area Committee about the wishes of young people.

He is also on the steering group behind Shipley Youth Cafe and plays football as a striker for Bradford Park Avenue’s youth team.

His father, Dave Whelan, said: “I couldn’t be more proud. He’s doing really well.”

The best small group was Hirst Wood Litter Pickers for the initiative shown by parents and six young people aged between seven and 17 who conduct clean-ups of their local play area. Organiser Rod Robinson gets regular help from youngsters Shakira and Jodie Johnson, Ethan Hudson-Parker, Ellis Ream and Joshua and Francesca Crossley.

The winners

Small Group: Hirst Wood Litter Pickers – winner; Cottingley Community Association – runner-up; Bolton Woods Community Association – runner-up.

Individual Adults: Christine Simpson – winner ; Lorelie Fox – runner-up; Freda Dunn – runner-up; Pauline Kitchen – runner-up.

Individual Young People: Cory Whelan – winner; Leanne Barlow – runner-up; Paige Fenwick – runner-up.

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