‘Their dedication never ceases to amaze me’

Pride in Oldham 2010

OLDHAM’S unsung heroes received high praise for all their hard work from the borough’s dignitaries.

Mayor of Oldham, Councillor David Jones, said: “I’ve always enjoyed coming to the Pride in Oldham awards as they recognise a lot of unsung heroes.

“You come across a lot of individuals and groups who are doing so much work within the community of Oldham and are not looking for recognition or funding.

“They are just doing it because they want to serve the community. “It is humbling.”

Councillor Howard Sykes, leader of Oldham Council, said: “The Pride in Oldham awards are a well established part of the civic calendar in Oldham.

“It gets bigger and better every year and this year’s event has been the best yet.

“We are not very good at celebrating people’s success but we have much to be proud of in terms of individuals and organisations. It is good to see so many people recognised.”

Riaz Ahmad, chairman of NHS Oldham, said: “The Pride in Oldham awards celebrates what is best in Oldham.

“We have a lot to celebrate in terms of achievement and people working very hard.

“I’m extremely impressed by the list of nominees but there’s a lot more out there doing work for the good of the community who haven’t been recognised tonight.”

Alan Hardy, chief executive of Oldham Athletic Football Club, said: “An event like this is great for the town, it shows the good work by a lot of people in the borough. Its nice for the unsung heroes to be rewarded in such a way.”

Paul Dickov, Oldham Athletic manager, said: “It was humbling to be asked to present some of the awards.

“There are lots of good people out there doing good work and putting something back in the community.”

Chris Hamilton, chairman of Oldham Roughyeds, said: “This is a fantastic event.

“I’ve been fortunate to be at every one of the Pride in Oldham awards and from year to year, the things that people do, their dedication and personal achievement never ceases to amaze me.

“The fact that it keeps getting bigger is a sign of the pride that exists in the town.”