A STUDENT has been named apprentice of the year at a prestigious national awards ceremony.

Harwood resident Abigail Murphy, aged 20, received the honour at the recent Direct Work Forum’s 2017 annual awards night in Coventry.

The former Thornleigh College student, who studies at The University of Bolton, works for Bolton at Home out of the Tonge Moor UCAN Centre, supporting residents by offering them help to get training and employment.

She is currently in the second year of her apprenticeship.

And the judges said they were impressed by how much Miss Murphy “supports and inspires communities”.

Miss Murphy said: “This award was a bit of a shock but a nice surprise. I never saw myself doing all these things two years ago but I have always been a people person.”

As well as studying for her degree in youth and community studies, she also spends time supporting local people affected by mental health issues and young mums.

She also set up the Harwood and Bradshaw Community Action Group a year ago and it now has about 30 members. And she has been involved in the Men in Sheds project in Harwood, which uses woodwork projects to improve mental wellbeing and tackle social isolation among men.

Miss Murphy added: “I just want to do what I can to help others and keep learning. I feel well supported, have gained in confidence and like a challenge.”

The Direct Work Forum is the representative body for housing associations, local authorities and RSLs. It currently has more than 100 members managing over 1.3 million properties.