AWARD-winning actress Julie Hesmondhalgh will be taking centre stage in Bolton tomorrow as she receives another honour – this time for her campaign work against “social injustice”.

The ceremony had to be postponed in March when bad weather meant the former Coronation Street actress was unable to get to Bolton.

The star of stage and screen, who recently appeared in the BBC series Happy Valley, is this year’s special guest at Bolton Socialist Club Awards Night, which recognises outstanding contribution to socialism in the town and the wider community.

She will receive Honorary Life Membership as she follows in the footsteps of fellow actor Maxine Peake, who was the first recipient of the award. Children's author Alan Gibbons has also been recognised in the same way by the club.

In 2007, Julie backed a campaign to stop a family of asylum seekers from being deported after they fled the Democratic Republic of Congo and started a new life in Bolton

Chris Chilton, Chairman of Bolton Socialist Club said: “This is the third year of this annual event which recognises outstanding contributions to socialism in Bolton in and the wider country.

“Julie has been a consistent and outspoken critic of the government’s austerity measures and has lent vital support to many campaigns against social injustice, racism and government attacks on workers' rights. This award recognises her selfless contribution.”

He added: “The awards are presented to women and men who have made significant efforts to promote the cause of social justice and equality, to defend the rights of workers, the socially disadvantaged and the excluded and promote awareness of climate change.”

Last year peace campaigner Malcolm Pittock was also recognised, as was the local anti-bedroom tax campaign led by Linda Charnock.

The lifelong commitment of trade unionist Brian Northey will also be recognised with a special award as will a local activist voted for by the club’s members. This year’s nominees are Bernadette Gallagher, Chris Smith, Martin MacMulkin and Alan Johnson.

The name of the recipient will be announced during the evening.

Mr Chilton said: “There are no losers on this night however, as the evening celebrates the contributions of all those who work for a better, fairer and less polluted world.”

The evening entertainment is provided by the Clarion Choir, Manchester poet Dave Puller and singer/songwriter Claire Mooney.

Admission is free and the evening at the Wood Street-based club starts at 8pm.