The people of Astley Bridge staged a special celebration to highlight the organisations and people who make it a great place.

The Pride of Astley Bridge Awards took place this month, showcasing the very best of the area.

The event, which was organised by The Friends of Astley Bridge, was held at Bar Lane Bowling Club.

Awards were presented to those who go above and beyond for their community. 

Prizes included gift vouchers for salons, restaurants and more, hampers, and jewellery. 

The ladies who knit post box toppersThe ladies who knit post box toppers (Image: Friends of Astley Bridge)

Ward councillor Hilary Fairclough said: "Friends of Astley Bridge is a small community group best known for the fabulous flower troughs at the Junction on Blackburn Road or organising displays of our schools' artwork around the area, but we are keenly aware that in our ward there are many people who quietly go about making our area the wonderful place it is. 

"We decided to have a Pride of Astley Bridge event to celebrate the work that volunteers do. We advertised on our Facebook page for people to nominate someone who lived or worked in the area and went that extra mile. 

"We didn’t have winners as we believe they were all winners, and so everyone was treated the same. They all received a certificate, a badge, a personal handmade biscuit and a raffle ticket to win a prize. 

The head boy and head girl at Sharples High School, accepting an award on behalf of the schoolThe head boy and head girl at Sharples High School, accepting an award on behalf of the school (Image: Friends of Astley Bridge) "I must thank the generous donations from many of our local businesses  and residents who really did donate some wonderful prizes." 

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She added: "Litter pickers were very much highlighted and we had nominations for all ages from six to 80, and they received a special hand-decorated litter picker, for special occasions. 

"The list included a group of ladies who crocheted post box toppers, remembrance soldiers, and even made over 100 crochet baskets to take mini eggs to give out at our annual Easter event. 

Litter pickersLitter pickers (Image: Friends of Astley Bridge)

"There were also our local schools who are hugely supportive and provide artwork for Christmas, Easter and remembrance and we know how much joy they bring to people walking or driving through the area. 

"We had two very active ladies who have revamped the Oldhams Young’uns group, they have completely revitalised the activities and their plans for the future are really exciting.

"There were also two residents who have maintained with TLC four of our flower troughs on Belmont Road near to the school, visiting every other day  to make sure they looked the best they could be."