THE shining stars of our community dazzled at an awards ceremony held by the borough’s main housing association.

Bolton at Home paid tribute to those who have made an outstanding contribution to their area at its annual Stars of the Community awards, held at the Macron Stadium.

More than 400 people were at the event where 10 winners were recognised on the night, while many others were ‘highly commended’ for their work.

At the top of the bill was Louise Kirkman, from New Bury, who scooped the Outstanding Achievement star.

Louise is the person behind Souper Social, where 15 older people aged between 65 and 93 meet up to share stories and enjoy freshly-cooked meals.

She is also an organiser of the New Bury Storehouse Pantry, secretary for New Bury Vision and helps to raise funds and apply for grants to keep the groups going.

Louise said: “I am not used to being the centre of attention. I just like to work hard behind the scenes and bring together all the groups I’m involved with to do the best work they can. My motivation for getting involved in the first place was to give something back to the community."

Tracey Booth, of Oldhams estate, was highly commended in the category.

Meanwhile, the Personal Achievement star was awarded to Tracy Moran, of Moses Gate.

A former drug addict, Tracy became involved in community groups to turn her life around.

She joined the Dramatic Action community group two years ago as joint treasurer and secretary, and has been involved in a number of arts and drama projects, including the film Addiction.

Kelly Heselwood, of New Bury, was highly commended in this category.

Another individual to be recognised was debt and money advice mentor Ogechi Ajet, who received the Bolton at Home star.

Ogechi has achieved more than £400,000 of savings for the 85 families she has supported in the last year.

She said “In my experience, when people balance their finances their outlook also becomes more positive and they become more productive in other areas of their life.

“Knowing that I’m in a position to help them, drives me to do the best I can.”

Highly commended in this category were Janet Lord, business support officer, and Derek Warburton, capital works contract manager.

The winners of the Taking a Stand Star were Aminabhen Patel and Shantilal Jotangia, from Deane.

Thanks to the pair’s actions, Bolton at Home was able us to tackle a nuisance neighbour and bring calm to a troubled community.

Shantilal said: “If someone is experiencing anti-social behaviour where they live, I encourage them to raise their concerns. No-one deserves to be a victim."

Michael Cooper was highly commended.

And proving that age is now barrier to achievement was Spirit of Youth Star winner, Christopher Buckett, from Breightmet.

The 17-year-old, is hard of hearing which affects his confidence.

But despite this, he lives independently with support from Bolton at Home.

He also does voluntary work at the Sue Ryder shop in Horwich, where he has recently been promoted to store manager.

On receiving his award he said: “The atmosphere and excitement has been amazing and as someone who’s never been nominated for an award before, I’m very proud and very shocked.”

Bethany Weall, from Breightmet, and New Bury Vision Youth group, were both highly commended in this category.

Christopher wasn’t the only young person to be recognised on the night, however.

The Breightmet Litter Picking Superstars walked away with the Sparkling Environment Star.

Since last summer, the youngsters, aged between seven and 14, have been tidying up the Breightmet estate and showing pride in their community.

They described the award as ‘Awesome, amazing and quite shocking’.

The Litter Pickers of Johnson Fold were highly commended.

And representing the other end of the age spectrum was the On Your Own Club, Tonge Moor, winners of the Healthy Community Star.

The voluntary community group helps older people facing loneliness by organising trips, coffee mornings and social nights.

Derek Turner, chairman of the club, said: “It is always great to see our members enjoying themselves and talking part the activities."

Highly commended in this category was Tonge Moor Men in Sheds

The Stronger Community Star went to New Bury Vision.

The Storehouse Pantry at New Bury UCAN Centre supports more than 50 members every week. They not only benefit from food but also budgeting support, food tasting, recipes, and advice on switching to cheaper energy suppliers.

Christine Bradshaw, a New Bury Vision volunteer, said: “We help people make their money go further with a better knowledge, and enjoyment, of food and cooking."

Highly Commended was Four Seasons Unite.

And there were two winners of the Our Star in Europe award.

FAST Romania provides aid and support to orphanages and abandoned children in disadvantaged and remote villages across the south-eastern European country.

It has been collaborating with Bolton at Home since the organisations’ paths crossed while the landlord was working on a housing improvement project in Romania.

Daniel Hristea, FAST Romania President, said: “Over the years we have learned so much from Bolton at Home.”

Oltalom has been working with Bolton at Home to give young people from the borough work experience opportunities whilst helping disadvantaged communities in Hungary.

Dr. Andras Szalay, of Oltalom, said: “The role that Bolton at Home plays in helping the communities in Hungary is vitally important.”