Community heroes rewarded by Trust

A PENSIONER has been honoured for the outstanding work he does helping elderly neighbours with their shopping and odd jobs.

Thomas Rigby, 79, was the overall winner in Halton Housing Trust’s annual Good Neighbour Awards, where many other tenants were also recognised for their efforts in making Halton a better place to live.

“The awards are our way of recognising and celebrating those people who are contributing most to their community,” said Halton Housing Trust chief executive Nick Atkin. “We were inundated with entries and it was always going to be hard to select winners.”

The awards were split into a number of categories with Thomas, of Rossall Road in Widnes, scooping the overall prize for his work supporting elderly neighbours with shopping, rent payments and repairs.

“I was made up when I found out I had won,” he said. “I love doing charity work and I always try and do what I can to help people.”

Jackie Peck, from Widnes, was named winner of the Community Award for her efforts setting up youth projects and residents groups, while 17-year-old Ryan Jackson, from Runcorn, claimed the Youth Award for his work with reducing anti-social behaviour amongst young people.

Alan Young, from Hale, and Alan Davey, from Widnes, were joint winners of the Taking A Stand Award for their commitment to improving the safety of their neighbourhoods.

“Our winners have all made a unique contribution to their local communities and should be applauded for the time and effort they commit” added Atkin. “Whether it is setting up community groups, supporting youth projects, or helping to prevent anti-social behaviour, they have all had a big impact on their neighbourhoods.”

As a reward for their efforts winners were treated to an all expenses paid day out to witness the Widnes Vikings’ thrilling 22-20 victory over Barrow at the Stobart Stadium.
Vikings forward Dave Allen and the club’s chief executive Alex Bonney greeted the winning customers on the pitch at half-time to present them with their awards and a cheque for £250.

“We were delighted to welcome Halton Housing Trust’s Good Neighbour Award winners to the Stobart Stadium,” said Bonney. “All of the winners should be proud of their commitment to helping the communities in which they live.”