HUDDERSFIELD area heroes have been honoured by the Government for their community work.
The Local Heroes event in London recognised the work of Lesley Steel and Paul Lewis, co-founders of the Communities United Project (Cup), and community worker Manzoor Hussain.
The awards were handed out by Home Secretary Charles Clarke to launch the Year of the Volunteer, which encourages people to help those less fortunate than themselves.
Paul, of Slaithwaite, and Lesley, from Manchester, set up Cup - based in John William Street, Huddersfield - six years ago.
The pair met when they worked for Manchester-based charity the National Association for Care and Resettlement of Offenders.
They decided to set up a scheme for youngsters in deprived areas of Paul's home town, Huddersfield.
Lesley said: "We go into large estates and deprived areas and try to give the them opportunities to come together.
"We do this by arranging sports and activities for the children.
"We encourage the adults to get involved as well. This could be by offering advice and support to get a group off the ground.
"We have even arranged for adults to get training to coach children."
Lesley said it was an honour for the project to be recognised by the Government.
"I am glad our work does not go unnoticed. It is a good feeling to know people think we are doing a good job," she said. "We have made a difference and we have worked very hard to get where we are today."
Mr Hussain is chairman of the Safety Partnership in Birkby and Fartown.
The group was set up three years ago, to help to solve community problems such as anti-social behaviour.
The 63-year-old from Birkby has helped organise recreational trips for youngsters and also seminars for the elderly to help them understand fire safety and how to protect their homes.
He said: "It was a great honour to receive the award. Although I have not done any of this work to get awards it is nice to be recognised.
"The day was a great experience."
