Toast of the town

20-OCT-06

Good neighbours and green fingered residents took centre stage at Bolton at Home’s annual customer awards this week.

The awards recognise those who lead by example and make a real difference to their neighbourhoods.

Winners and runners up across five categories were celebrated at the event, held at Bolton Parish Hall. Competition categories feature; good neighbour, best garden, most improved garden, communal garden and plants in pots.

Noel Spencer, Chair of Bolton at Home, was joined by the Mayor of Bolton, Councillor Walter Hall, and the Mayoress, Mrs Sheila Hall, to present the awards, hand out prize vouchers and congratulate all the winners.

Tom Rutter, 87, from Westhoughton, picked up the prestigious ‘Good Neighbour Award’ for his outstanding contribution to his local community.

Several nominations from neighbours, who praised Mr Rutter’s willingness to help and untiring efforts to run errands, which makes their lives easier, were behind the award decision.

Noel Spencer, paid tribute to Mr Rutter, saying: “This award goes to a special person who is a shining example to all generations. We are delighted to be able to recognise and reward the fantastic efforts of an inspirational neighbour who makes his neighbourhood a better place to live for others.”

On picking up his award, Mr Rutter said: “I am really surprised and very grateful. It is part of life to do what we can to help each other. Thank you to everyone who nominated me for this award.”

Last year’s runners-up for plants in pots, John and Sandra Settle from Blackrod, went one better this year to scoop the top prize for best garden.

Mr Settle said: “We are delighted to win this award, especially after coming close in the past. We are passionate about gardening and it is noticeable how others follow suit, taking more pride in their gardens. It really adds to the neighbourhood.”