Glitz and glamour was the order of the night with an extra-large portion of community pride as the Our Town Awards.
2024 was hosted at the Edge conference centre in October.
In what has been a special anniversary year for the borough, it was an especially difficult task for our judging panels as the standard of nominations across all the categories was higher than ever before.
From awe-inspiring groups to super-schools and amazing individuals and carers with hearts of gold, each and every one is a brilliant role model.
Alex Winstanley from Happy Smiles CIC claimed the coveted Leader’s Award for his social enterprise’s incredible disability and inclusivity advocacy and the huge impact they’ve made across the borough and beyond.
He said: “It’s amazing to win this award and be recognised among such incredible people.
“There’s so many incredible people in our borough and it’s a bit surreal to be honest. I’m a really passionate Wiganer, and I love our borough and I love the people in it.”
Find out more: www.wigan.gov.uk/OurTown
Winners
Leader’s Award
Alex Winstanley and Happy Smiles CIC.
Highly commended - Volunteers of Wigan and Leigh Hospice
Business of the Year
Tim Hilton - JJH Builders.
Highly commended - Karl Mather (KDM Electrical), Applecast
Neighbour of the Year
Sharon Smith.
Highly commended - Kris Thomas, Christopher Hill
School of the Year
Nicol Mere Primary School. Highly commended - St John Fisher, The Aspire Federation
Unsung Hero
Andrea Jukes.
Highly commended - Angela Brown
Volunteer of the Year
Victoria Davies.
Highly commended - Fur Clemt, Mavis Grundy
Community Initiative
Daisy Chain Stitchers.
Highly commended - Winstanley Walkers, Yellow Door Library
Environment Award
The Bridgers.
Highly commended - Friends of Low Hall, Friends of Ashton
Community Garden, Oliver Dutka
Unpaid Carers Award
Gabrielle Edwards.