'Exceptional' staff are applauded

EVERYONE a winner . . . Carolyn Wilkins front, with behind her, long-service award recipients Sean Madden, Elvin Lucas and Diane Walsh.

'DEDICATED', 'hard-working' and 'exceptional' were just some of the words that were used to describe the winners at this year's Oldham Council Top awards.

Hosted by chief executive Carolyn Wilkins at the Queen Elizabeth Hall, the awards aim to celebrate the successes, achievements and outstanding work done by employees in the borough.

She said: "There are so many people who, day to day, do so much and work so hard in Oldham.

"2016 was quite a year and it is important to celebrate the achievements of our employees."

Senior housing needs officer Moira Fields was named Volunteer of the Year for her work supporting more than 120 families in Oldham affected by Down's syndrome.

Moira set up DS West Pennine in 2010 after her second son Isaac was diagnosed with the condition

The with the charity provides activities such as speech therapy, family days out and parenting workshops.

She said: "I am shocked to have won - I was shaking when they read my name out.

"I wasn't expecting it at all.

"It is a good thing for me, but it is even better for the charity if it helps to raise awareness of us and what we do."

The coveted Employee of the Year prize was awarded to Anne Burns, principal catering manager.

Anne, who has worked for the council for more than 38 years, was described as a "fantastic member of staff" and a "true ambassador".

Delighted with her award, Anne was keen to share the joy with her team.

She said: "This past year has been unbelievable and our team has won several national awards for our work.

"To win this is the icing on the cake.

"But it's all about my fantastic team - there is no I in our team."

Sean Madden, Elvin Lucas and Diane Walsh were also presented with long-service awards from Oldham Council leader Jean Stretton and the mayor of Oldham, Councillor Derek Heffernan.

The Chief Executive Recognition award was presented to Lynda Fairhurst, who was described as a "champion of social mobility" as head of Oldham Lifelong Learning Services.

Held in high regard by the council, she oversaw a consistently outstanding service before her retirement in December.

Other winners at the awards were:

Young Employee of the Year: Ben Ingham, trainee legal assistant.

Leader of the Year: Darren McGrattan, response services manager

Team of the Year, Get Oldham Working Team.

Front Line Services: Chadderton Wellbeing Team