Paul Ellison named as local community hero by Norden Co-op

Paul Ellison with Councillor Jim Gartside (left) and his wife, Jane (far right), and Co-op store manager, Sharon Leighton

Paul Ellison, chairman of the Norden Environmental and Economic Village Association, has been named as a local community hero by the Norden Co-op store.

Keela Walsh, Co-op Engagement Advisor, nominated Paul for his tireless work and contributions to the local community.

She said: "Paul has provided fantastic community support for Norden this year from organising the children's Halloween Party to delivering the Christmas light switch on with almost 1,000 people coming together to celebrate the festive season.

“Paul has also pledged his future commitment to the community, by carrying on his excellent work, which ensures that Norden village looks great all year round with regular litter picks, bulb planting in the area, his involvement with Rochdale in bloom and community events.

“Paul really is a local community hero.”

Paul received a goody bag as a thank you for his efforts, which was presented to him by Councillor Jim Gartside, his wife, Jane, and Co-op store manager Sharon Leighton.

Councillor Gartside, who presented Paul with his first-ever award at the age of 12, said: “It is very nice of the Co-op to do this for Paul with all his hard work for Rochdale in Bloom and NEEVA.

“He has done a wonderful job of smartening the village and it is a well-deserved award for him.

“I’m pleased he has been recognised in this manner, and I was glad to be part of it.”

This Christmas, the Co-op is helping people across the UK to connect by sharing festive food and joy with our communities. Members and colleagues have been asked to identify a local community hero: it could be the person who runs the local Christmas carol service, or organises the residential home’s afternoon tea, maybe someone who’s made an extra effort to be neighbourly or someone who’s given their time and energy to their community this year.

Co-op members can themselves support the village of Norden when buying selected Co-op branded products from their local store as 1% of their spend goes to local causes in the area.

The current local causes are:

• Bridge Juniors FC
• Cutgate Preschool Playgroup and
• Whittaker Moss PTA