Local heroes take a bow

LOCAL heroes have been honoured at a special Volunteer of Saddleworth Awards ceremony.

The event, hosted by outgoing Saddleworth Parish Council chairman Councillor Graham Sheldon and his wife Diane at Greenfield Conservative Club, celebrated achievements by dedicated local volunteers and fundraisers.

Engraved glass trophies were awarded to Pat Lord, who has served in the parish council for 19 years and was honoured as the adult winner for her dedication to a range of charities and organisations.

Dovestone Youth Rangers received the youth award for a special project at the Greenfield reservoir.

Pat, who launched the first-ever volunteer awards six years ago when husband Brian was Saddleworth Parish Council chairman, has raised more than £35,000 over the years with chairman’s charity committees.

The Youth Rangers project helps to protect the reservoir’s wildlife and environment. Half a dozen volunteers 18 months ago has grown into a group of 20 rangers who have been digging frog ponds, tree felling and watching wildlife. Last December they featured in BBC’s TV programme Countryfile.