Westhoughton residents recognised for community work in Civic Awards

Westhoughton staged its Civic Awards ceremony to recognise people who help make the town a better place to live in.

Three residents received awards.

Catarina Frappola, Danielle Ward and Cindy Richie were all recognised for the work they have put in to the town.

The awards were given by Westhoughton Town Council and presented by Town Mayor Deirdre McGeown and Deputy Town Mayor Ollie Younge.

Catarina Frappola was awarded Young Citizen of the Year in recognition for organising and running Westhoughton Walkers.

Deputy town mayor Ollie Younge, far left, and town mayor Deirdre McGeown, far right, pictured with Catarina Frappola (Image: Cllr David Wilkinson)

The group runs every Wednesday from The Hub, and it supports members of the community of all ages to benefit from walking in Westhoughton.

Catarina has been doing this for more than 12 months and has built up a group of walkers giving up her free time and says she is always happy to support people.

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Also awarded on Tuesday evening was Danielle Ward who was given the Environmental Award for leading the Howfen Litter Pickers group and encouraging others to litter pick.

Deputy town mayor Ollie Younge, far left, and town mayor Deirdre McGeown, far right, pictured with Danielle Ward (Image: Cllr David Wilkinson)

She has organised many group picks to keep the town tidy and is litter picking on an almost daily basis, before work, and in all weathers.

Finally, Cindy Richie, 80, was awarded the Civic Medal and the Howard Daniels Memorial Trophy in recognition for her support for older people for the past 20 years.

She has held monthly Sunday lunches and a weekly games day for local residents.

Cllr Arthur Price with Cindy Richie (Image: Cllr David Wilkinson)

Nominating her, resident Josie Tickle said: “Cindy is a member of many charitable groups in Westhoughton, and she gives her time freely without hesitation and helps anyone in need anytime.

“She is a wonderful lady, now aged 80 but never ever fails to go out of her way to help others without question.

“There’s nothing she would fail to do for others.”

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The Harold Daniels Memorial Trophy was presented to Cindy by Councillor Arthur Price, who is also a Rotarian.

The trophy is in memory of Mr Daniels, who was a Westhoughton Rotarian for many years and was awarded an MBE for his community work.

Speaking about the civic awards, Cllr McGeown said: “It was a real privilege to present these awards to these three well-deserving people.

“These awards are in recognition of the hard work and efforts they put in to make Westhoughton a better place.

"They are amongst the hidden heroes of any community.”