The Pride of our City

4.56.57pm GMT Mon 3rd Mar 2008

UNSUNG heroes who work tirelessly to improve life on a Liverpool estate are to get the recognition they deserve.

Under the banner Proud Norris Green, a week-long series of events was today launched to show the good things going on in the city estate.

It has faced problems of gang rivalry with neighbouring Croxteth, as well as social difficulties such as poor housing and unemployment.

But starting on March 10, the tireless efforts of the "fantastic people" within Norris Green will be thrust into the limelight.

Events include a glitzy red-carpet ceremony at Aintree racecourse, where the Norris Green Awards will be handed out to unsung heroes.

Nominees range from a youth who waited with a confused dementia sufferer until the police arrived to a father who supports a tool bank for his community.

Nominations were made by Norris Green residents and more than 20 awards will be given out at the event, on Friday March 14.

Organiser Samantha Davis-McArdle, a member of community-run Norris Green Reference Group, said: "There are lots of fantastic people living in Norris Green and very often that is overshadowed."

The idea came from a community consultation event and organisers hope it will become an annual celebration.

The week of activity will also feature events help people into employment and training, as well as the official opening of the new £1.1m Scargreen recreation ground on Tuesday March 18.

Ellergreen Lifestyles will also host a variety of events.

Cllr Colin Eldridge, executive member for community safety, said: "This is about telling as many people as possible that Norris Green is a thriving community where lots of good things happen."