The 10th 1V Awards Dinner, sponsored by Together Housing and Newground, took place on Saturday and was attended by more than 400 guests.

The dinner in King George’s Hall’s Concert Hall was hosted by 14-year-olds Alisha Seedat, Aleeza Isa, Maya Khalid and Bilal Hussain.

The young hosts interviewed key guests from Blackburn and Darwen including previous winners.

Watch: Teenagers star in new video showcasing best of Blackburn

The evening also featured 16-year-old singing sensation Hafsah Khonat who performed some of the classic hits from the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack.

The event also featured an emotional commemoration video featuring messages from families who had lost loved ones.

The Aya Hachem Young Person of the Year award was presented by Aya’s mum Samar Salame, who thanked the organisers for inviting her to the event and “creating this lasting legacy for her daughter”.

The Aya Hachem Young Person of the Year award winner – Muhammed Karbarhi.

Recipient, Muhammed Karbarhi, said,  “This award has given me the motivation to continue working hard in making a positive impact in everything I do.

“I look forward to using this recognition to inspire others and and contribute to the growth and developments of all my future endeavours.”

Blackburn Food Bank were named Group of the year

The Group of the Year award, sponsored Blackburn Youth Zone, was won by Blackburn Food Bank for its continued work during unprecedented times.

Accepting the award, Aamirah Ayub said, “Thank you on behalf of the amazing team of volunteers, staff, and trustees.

“Thank you to everyone who supports Blackburn Food Bank with donations and otherwise.”

Community Group IMO won the Health Award

The IMO Charity were the winners of the inaugural 1V Health Award, sponsored by Spring North.

Chief executive Mohammed Sidat said, “We are thrilled to have won the 1V Health Award.

“IMO would like to thank everyone who has supported and joined us on this unforgettable journey.”

Yasir Sufi was named Man of the year

Yasir Sufi, who was awarded 1V Man of the Year, sponsored by Reel Cinema, expressed his delight at winning.

He said: “I feel absolutely privileged at receiving this award. It is for everyone who has supported me.

“There are many individuals in the community who equally deserve this award.”

Uzma Khan was named Woman of the Year

The 1V Woman of the Year award, sponsored by Lancashire Mind, went to Uzma Khan for her work in encouraging members of the local community to better their physical and mental health through walking.

“I’m still a little overwhelmed as this was a total surprise but as they say good things happen to those who wait,” said Uzma.

“This award is not only mine but for the entire team of Four Seasons Outdoors without who this award would not have been possible.”

Firoza Mohmed with the Outstanding Achievement award

The awards culminated in the John Roberts Outstanding Achievement Award, which was presented to Firoza Mohmed for her work in supporting victims of domestic abuse and violence.  

Firoza, who was delighted and emotional when receiving her trophy, said: “It was a great honour to receive the Outstanding Achievement award.

“It was truly an amazing evening of celebrations at the 1V Awards Dinner. All the finalists and winners deserve special praise.

“The real highlight for me was One Voice giving young people opportunities not seen before.”

 Jamie Holman with the Leadership Award for 2023

The 1V Awards also featured the Leadership Award, individually sponsored by Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, which was presented to Jamie Holman.

Jamie said: “Blackburn is an exciting place to be, our cultural and artistic communities are thriving.

“To be recognised for enhancing the reputation of Blackburn and bringing communities together makes me proud of the work I produce.”

One Voice chair Abrar Hussain said this was the best 1V Awards event yet.

He said: “This was the 10th anniversary of the awards, and the calibre of winners demonstarates what a remarkable community and voluntary sector that exists in our borough.

“As an organisation we are proud to showcase their achievements.”

The finale of the 1V Awards included the launch of a video, supported by the Arts Council showcasing Blackburn.

The video sees Alisha Seedat walk through the town taking in Corporation Park, Cathedral Square, the town centre and Victoria Street.

Along the way she is joined by Zainab Hanslod and Aisha Hussain.

The video was part of One Voice Blackburn’s ‘Blackburn – We Live It, We Breathe It, We Love It’ campaign, and you can watch it here.