IT was a real pleasure to be at the first North West Charity Awards and see Bolton Young Persons Housing Scheme take the top award.

The organisation that keeps young people off the streets, offering them a home, help and hope, was given the Charity of the Year Award at the inaugural glitzy event in Manchester.

They beat off competition from 17 other charities, many far better known, to take the title and CEO Maura Jackson and the staff attending were absolutely delighted. It was actually a very popular win and if ever an award was deserved, this is it.