Hard work pays off for youth champion

Greg Cookson, has been nominated for a Pride award.

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WHEN Greg Cookson was made redundant from Oldham Council last year, it could have been the end of the youth group he set up.

But the Dovestone Youth Rangers group is still going strong and helping young people learn skills as well as helping with their self esteem.

They meet up every Sunday afternoon. Group members carry out a variety of tasks, such as doing the gardening for elderly residents, clearing the graveyard in Diggle, litter picking at Dovestone Reservoir and creating places for local wildlife.

Greg was nominated for a Pride in Oldham award by rangers volunteer Elizabeth Taylor.

She said: "Greg has taken the time to set up Dovestone Youth Rangers to help the community of Saddleworth.

"He has identified that there is a need for young people to get involved with their local community and started this group only a couple of years ago.

"The group not only helps the community of Saddleworth but also provides a fully inclusive, safe environment for young people to come together and make new friends.

"It is very clear that he is a key member of the community and there are many young people who have benefited from his hard work and dedication."

Dovestone Youth Rangers has previously teamed up with the RSPB and United Utilities to help protect the reservoir's wildlife and environment.

And after its project was spotted by the BBC and picked to feature in a Peak District special, the teenagers spent a day filming at the location with presenter Ellie Harrison for the hit show Countryfile.

Greg (48), of Uppermill, studied youth and community work at the University of Leeds and became a qualified youth worker, working in London, Edinburgh and New York.

He said: "I'm an Oldham lad through and through. I'm really made up with the nomination.

"I'm passionate about getting young people out in the environment, and showing them what's on their doorstep. It's about giving them ownership of their environment."