Member Article

Search for local heroes begins

A local regeneration project has teamed up with an ex-Newcastle United footballer to kick-start a campaign to find local heroes. Lee Clark is helping the community team at the £450m Walker Riverside regeneration to find residents in Walker who have shown outstanding selfless commitment to their community to be nominated for the first Walker Riverside Pride, Passion, Potential Awards.

Walker born and bred Lee, now a coach for the club, said: “I lived in Walker as a child and I still have friends and relatives that live there. I know it is a community full of lots of characters with great pride in their area. These awards will reward the people who over the years have worked hard to support the area; either directly through community groups or supporting loved ones or even through personal achievements.”

Nominations for the three awards are open to anyone living in the Walker area. The ‘Pride’ category is open to anyone who has been a great ambassador for their community. ‘Passion’ is for those who have achieved success in areas such as fund raising, sport or music. The ‘Potential’ award is aimed at the younger members of the community who have shown effort and success beyond the expected in their chosen field.

Peter Aviston, Walker Riverside’s project director, said: “I am delighted these awards will focus on the energy, drive and enthusiasm of the people in Walker. One of the aims of the project is to build on the strong community spirit that exists as it has a huge part to play in the regeneration of our community. One of the ways we want to achieve this is to reward the hard work these individuals and groups have put in over the years. So if you want a pat on the back yourself or know someone else who deserves an award please get in touch.”

Short listed candidates will attend an event on 7 December. Each shortlisted candidate will receive an award, with the winners receiving a special prize. The closing date for nominations is 2 November. For more about the awards or to nominate, visit www.walker-riverside.co.uk.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .