Pride of place for unsung heroes

PRIDE across the ages: Chloe Punchard (7) took centre stage to receive the schools award with Megan Clare (11) and Jordan Sherrington (11) from Limeside Primary School alongside have-a-go-hero Sidney Bannister, winner of the special achievement award

PRIDE IN OLDHAM AWARDS II

THE borough’s unsung heroes got the red carpet treatment when they were honoured at the glittering Pride in Oldham awards.

More than 200 people attended the Oscar-style ceremony to crown those of all ages who go above and beyond the call of duty for the town.

The rousing anthem “Proud” — which has become the defining soundtrack of the event — played as community stalwarts, enterprising pupils, battling pensioners and sports stars joined guests at the Queen Elizabeth Hall.

And there was rapturous applause as the finalists in 11 categories were presented with framed Chronicle front-pages carrying their individual stories about their achievements.

Guests arrived to music from Failsworth Town Band and impressive 13-year-old songstress Georgia Povey.

Then the four-hour show got under way with a dramatic, giant-screen presentation before hosts Mark Llewellin and Jane Hodson took to the stage

First up was the Professionals award which went to Janan Billings, project co-ordinator of an anti-social behaviour team. He received a shining glass trophy from Oldham Council leader Howard Sykes.

Pride in Oldham was launched in the wake of the dark days of the 2001 riots by the Oldham Chronicle to celebrate all that is good about the town. Now celebrating it’s eighth year, hundreds of people and organisations have been nominated and had their inspirational stories featured in the paper.

Yesterday’s presentation ceremony filled the gaps between courses of the gala luncheon. It included a generous helping of the feelgood factor with the winners of three categories — Groups, Voluntary and ever popular Schools category — also receiving a £200 cheque from Oldham Metro Rotary Club to help their work.

Others beaming with delight as they handed out the honours were Roughyeds coach Tony Benson, MP Michael Meacher, Mayor of Oldham Jim McArdle and Mayoress Kay Knox.

Chronicle editor Jim Williams presented the Readers’ Choice award — the only accolade not to be chosen by the independent judging panel.

He said: “We have been doing this for eight years and every time I stand here I am aware this is where the pride of Oldham gathers.”

The last to be honoured was Sidney Bannister who waved to the crowd as he received a standing ovation.

Then the technical wizards from the stage management team at Oldham firm New Image had one last surprise. The ceremony came to a rousing conclusion with a moving montage of the day and a fireworks finale.