Four heroic youngsters and a pioneering group from Greater Manchester are to be honoured this Friday, July 9, at the third annual Urban Hero Awards, presented by Manchester youth charity The Message Trust.

The awards recognise people who have made exceptional contributions to their local communities over the last year – or have bravely overcome a major obstacle in their lives.

All of the nominees have been directly impacted by the work of The Message Trust, a Christian charity working with the hardest-to-reach young people in Greater Manchester’s schools, communities and prisons.

Five category winners have already been named as winners of the Achiever, Champion, Courage, Inspiration and Volunteer Awards.
They include a former drug dealer now helping young offenders in prisons; a school drop-out now back in full-time education; and a notorious community trouble-maker who is now an active local volunteer in Old Trafford.

A pioneering group which worked together to help combat antisocial behaviour among young people in Oldham is also receiving a special award.

The overall Urban Hero of the Year will be named and presented with their award at a glitzy red carpet ceremony at the Palace Hotel, Manchester.

This is the third year the Urban Hero Awards have taken place. In 2008, teenager Anthony Martindale from Harpurhey scooped the award for services to his local community.

Last year, Stephanie North from Openshaw won the award for courageously pursuing justice in the face of bullying and threats to her family.

The event is sponsored by Stagecoach and a host of local businesses.