Readers pick Steve

VOTE WINNER . . . Oldham Evening Chronicle Readers' Choice category winner Steve Hill (left) with the Chronicle managing editor David Whaley.

1 More Image(s) In Gallery

HE'S climbed some of the highest mountains in the world, completed an incredible North Pole challenge and is set to tackle six marathons in six days in the Sahara Desert.

Now Steve Hill can add a Pride in Oldham Award to his list after he became this year's recipient of the incredibly popular Reader's Choice honour.

The daring deputy head and Year 6 teacher at St Joseph's RC Primary, in Shaw, is renowned for his whacky around the world adventures which have raised thousands for charities and earned him at MBE from the Queen.

With over 2,500 votes cast by Chronicle readers, Steve was a runaway winner.

"This means a lot to me and it's particularly nice to receive this award on behalf of the children.

"The children at St Joseph's are a huge part of this for me and are my biggest motivation to do the challenges I do.

"This award is for the children."

Charity champion and landlord George Campbell was a runner-up in the Reader's Choice section.

He took over the running of The George Tavern in Oldham town centre two years ago where he's become a much-loved fixture for both his personality and community spirit, even visiting his regulars when they're in hospital.

"I'm totally gobsmacked by this award. I've lived in Oldham for two-and-a-half years now and I can't believe how welcome I've been made to feel and this award says a lot about that. I'd like to thank my incredible team of staff, friends and customers."

Fellow finalists, Oldham Young Carers, was also a highly popular choice among voters.

On behalf of the team Steph Bolshaw, chief executive of Positive Steps which runs Young Carers, said: "We're really, really proud of the team that does this work. They do an awesome job and the young people they work with are awesome themselves. Together they are fantastic."