THE Lancashire Telegraph’s support of community champions has been highlighted as part of Local Newspaper Week.

The dedicated week which is marked every year celebrates the role of trusted news gathers and their ability to improve lives.

The paper has worked hard to put the people of East Lancashire at its hard and is always keen to hear of the good work they do to improve the area.

The Telegraph works with Blackburn with Darwen Council every year on the Good Neighbour Awards which seeks to honour people whose good deeds often go unheralded.

Last year’s ceremony saw Zara Hussain, 20, rewarded after her hard work in setting up the One Voice Blackburn Scouting group.

Miss Hussain initially set up a Beavers group four years, before setting up a Cubs group as the children aged and last year launched the Scouts group.

Miss Hussain’s dedication means she travels home from the University of Bradford at weekends to lead the group.

The Telegraph also supports the hundreds of people across the area who take on challenges to raise money for a range of good causes.

Earlier this year the paper featured the story Nicola Nuttall, from Barrowford, who donned a witch’s dress, cape, hat and broom as she set a Guinness World Record when she took part in the London Marathon.

The 47-year-old, who runs Giddy Kippers Party and Play Centre in Nelson, raised money for Macmillan Cancer Support, in memory of her grandfather who died from the disease 10 years ago.

Numerous stories of people fund raising for charity are highlighted by the Telegraph every year, helping to support the good causes but also the people putting in the hard work.