Westminster's community champions honoured

The four winners beat off tough competition from a list of 380 nominations, recognising many inspirational residents who make a real difference to their neighbourhood by helping others or taking a leading role in their community.

They collected their prize in front of dozens of community leaders and representatives from the council, police and NHS at the Institute of Civil Engineers, in Great George Street, Westminster.

Shirley Nicolaou-Grana won the award for changing the lives of younger people - from lecturing in schools and youth centres to coaching football and helping youngsters access the arts.

She said: "I'm genuinely thrilled to know that kids I have worked with are now at university, or in great jobs.

"I think young people need to know that someone believes in them and will encourage and support them.

Mr Hogarth was recognised for making a difference to older people, by organising birthday parties and outings to help those who might otherwise be housebound.

Mr Hogarth said: "I work with about 70 volunteers - so this award is for them as well as for me."

Alice Bailey won the 'Helping people live a healthier life' category for her work with Westminster Mind, helping isolated people with mental health issues to get out into the community, meet new people and live healthier, happier lives.

Mrs Bailey, who started running a weekly outings group last July, said: "We are 12 to 15 people now and every Monday we go on trips to all kinds of places. We have no budget, so I get donations from family members and friends.

"This year we had our second big group lunch at the Thistle hotel, and we've also had bazaars and lots of lovely outings to the parks in the summer."

Christine Yau was presented with an award for her long-standing work to improve the communities of Chinatown and Soho.

She is the Chairman of the Chinese Community Centre and works closely with Charing Cross Police Station.

She said: "I am absolutely delighted.

"I am surrounded by people doing lots of good work, so it is amazing that I have won this award."

Leader of Westminster Council, Cllr Colin Barrow, added: "We know that there are countless people in Westminster who are making a major difference to the lives of others in their communities.

"Sometimes, such amazing people go unrecognised and these awards are a small step in highlighting how many people go above and beyond the call of duty to make Westminster a better place to live.

"I would like to congratulate all the winners, those who were commended and those who were nominated for making a difference in their communities."

Results of the 2010 Neighbourhood Leadership Awards:

Category 'changing the lives of younger people':
Winner - Shirley Nicolaou-Grana
Commended - Wayne Louis

Category 'changing the lives of older people':
Winner - David Hogarth
Commended - Maureen Carter

Category 'helping people live a healthier life':
Winner - Alice Bailey
Commended - Vera Lawford

Category 'making the community safer':
Winner - Christine Yau
Commended - Mike Wohl