PEOPLE who have helped make a difference in their community have been celebrated at a special awards night.

Around 320 people attended Bolton at Home’s 11th annual Stars of the community awards evening at the Macron Stadium in Bolton.

Winners, across eight categories, included groups and individuals who were nominated by other members of the community or Bolton at Home employees.

Joe Crowder, from Farnworth, won the spirit of youth star award for going above and beyond to help others

The 16-year-old qualified life-saver and white water kayaker went to the aid of the victims of the Boxing Day flooding last year, including helping an elderly person to safety and swimming from house to house check on residents, rescuing pets and moving furniture.

In September, he also assisted a woman who had been knocked over by a car in Bolton town centre.

He said: “I just wanted to help when the situation presented itself. In the long run I want to become a paramedic.”

Dawn Bellis from Hall i’th’ Wood was awarded the outstanding achievement star.

She was described as a ‘true inspiration to many in her community and those she now works with’ after overcoming depression and anxiety.

After joining the Wonder Woman Group in Hall i’th’ Wood five years ago, she gained qualifications and enrolled on a health and social care course at college.

After volunteering with BAND, Dawn became a development worker at the mental health charity.

She said: “I love what I do. As I was getting stronger, I just thought to myself that if I could help someone else smile then what I went through wasn’t for nothing. This drove me to want to work in mental health.”

Other winners on the night included Great Lever Connected, Mossfield Meadows Action Group, Men in Sheds at Willow Hey and Deane UCAN Centre Team.