THE chief of a charity that supports young homeless people has been recognised for her vital work at the head of the organisation.

Maura Jackson, CEO of Bolton Young Person’s Housing Scheme, picked the Inspiring Leader accolade at the Chartered Institute of Housing’s annual awards.

The 46-year-old was presented with the gong by Julie Doyle, chief executive of the Longhirst Group, at a glitzy ceremony held at Manchester Central on Monday night.

Ms Jackson said she was stunned to receive the prize, but had enjoyed a ‘fantastic’ night.

She said: “I was overwhelmed, actually, I found it all a bit nerve racking. When they called my name out it was a bit of a blur, but it was just amazing.

“I was chuffed to bits just to get nominated by my colleague, Dianne Gilmore. The competition from across the UK was so strong that in a way we were all winners, but to win the award was incredible.”

Ms Jackson said that winning the award had capped off 12 months of success for the charity.

Stand-out achievements for the charity, which is celebrating its silver jubilee year, have included winning the We’re Backing Bolton accolade at the Bolton and Bury Business awards.

And BYPHS has also received grants of £10,000 and £90,000 from the Gannett Foundation and the Henrry Smith Charitable Foundation, as well as setting up a ‘guardian scheme’ which guarantees financial support from 26 individuals and businesses.

Ms Jackson added: “There have been a lot of highlights, some organisational, some personal, it’s been a great 12 months.”