A Skelmersdale schoolboy has been recognised for his “inspirational” work keeping his community clean.
Cole Murphy, 14, was crowned regional winner in the UK’s Young Neighbour of the Year Awards by Co-op Insurance and Neighbourhood Watch, after receiving multiple nominations from members of the community. Cole, who is a pupil at Ormskirk Grammar School, picks up litter every day and uploads photos to Facebook to make local residents aware of which areas have been cleaned.
He said: "I am so happy to have won the Young Neighbour of the Year Awards in the North West - it was such a surprise. I believe that it is so important to keep our community clean and tidy and show how proud we are of the lovely place we live."
READ MORE: Mum annoyed as neighbour 'lets' her child 'spy' on her in the garden
Cole also expressed hopes that his daily Facebook posts encourage other people to help keep Skelmersdale’s streets clean. Council enforcement officer, Sharon Cranny, who nominated Cole, said: “Cole is a wonderful young man, and I am over the moon that he has won this award, he truly deserves it.
“He is a role model for other young people in our community and I know that there are a lot of people who have been inspired by his efforts.”
The Co-op Insurance and Neighbourhood Watch Neighbour of the Year Awards were launched in 2018 to shine a light on the UK’s unsung heroes. Now in in their fifth year, winners are chosen in the categories of Neighbour, Young Neighbour and Community of the Year.
Charles Offord, managing director of Co-op Insurance, said: “The number of entries we received this year was amazing to see. It’s clear that so many young people are doing great things as neighbours, and Cole really stood out and can be very proud of the time and effort he has put into cleaning up his streets.
"It was heart-warming to read his story and all the incredible acts of kindness of young people all over the UK."
