Stronger Communities Award

This award goes to groups or individuals who have brought neighbourhoods together and created a sense of community spirit.

Runner-up:

Cleator Moor slugger Desmond Mattinson has been a knock-out volunteer for more than 30 years. The boxing coach gives up 25 hours a week to run training sessions at Cleator Moor ABC. He refuses to take any admission fees, often spending his own money to buy club equipment. His past pupils have included 23-yearold Martin King, now a professional lightmiddleweight. This year, he became one of the first Cumbrians to represent England in an international match.

Winner:

The Next Generation picked up its second community award nomination for bringing together people in one of Allerdale’s most deprived areas. Alyson Hodgson, Diane Light and Linda Parker from Frostom’s, Workington, established the Next Generation to try and foster some community spirit in their area. For the last five years, the project has provided fun, educational and sporting events for residents right across the age spectrum.