A local junior rugby club is celebrating after their chairman was judged to be a local hero.

Blackpool RUFC Junior's Chairman, Paul Moran was awarded the Contribution to Sport award at the recent Heroes in the Community Awards which recognises people who make a difference to their community.

His fiance, Sarah Formby, social and press secretary of Blackpool RUFC Juniors, who nominated him. said: "Paul dedicates a vast amount of his spare time to the development of Rugby Union in our local area."

During the season Paul has fulfilled the role of chairman, head coach, under-14s team manager and for a while, fixtures secretary.

At 27, he is the youngest junior rugby chairman in the North West.

Although the 2004/05 season was Blackpool RUFC Junior's first in competitive rugby the under 14's made history by winning the prestigious Lancashire Plate competition.

Paul is also the Lancashire under 15 team manager travelling around the country to promote a positive image of Lancashire's young people.

Paul was presented with the Contribution to Sport Award sponsored by The Astbury Studio, Poulton Le Fylde.