A 15-year-old boy from Congleton has been recognised for his tireless efforts in helping his community with a prestigious accolade.

Andrew Hollinshead nominated Callum Bloor for BBC's North West Tonight Everyday Hero award for all his hard work, before and during the coronavirus crisis.

Reacting to his nomination, Callum told Nub News: "I never imagined that I would appear on the BBC, but I just want to help people especially at this difficult and uncertain time.

"It was so nice to see all of the support I received on Facebook."

A picture of Callum with his award aired on BBC's North West Tonight on Monday, and his mum Sharon Smith couldn't be prouder in the way her son conducts himself.

Ms Smith told Nub News: "I was beaming from ear to ear. We had to take the picture of him with the award on Saturday and he was absolutely over the moon."

Ms Smith described her son as someone who has a "heart of gold" and just wants to "help people".

At the age of 13, Callum set up a business which involved cutting grass and painting fences for the elderly and vulnerable.

advertisement

Ms Smith told Nub News: "He has always been this kind-hearted young lad who doesn't want to hang around on the streets, his inspiration is to help people in any way he can."

Callum has been helping Shaun Radcliffe out every day at the Congleton Food Hub, which is based at the town hall.

The pair have been going above and beyond to ensure that the elderly, vulnerable, those self-isolating and key workers have essential items since the coronavirus outbreak swept the country.

Ms Smith heralded the work the pair are doing for the town, and the "amazing" work has resulted in Callum being stopped and acknowledged by residents in the community.

Ms Smith added: "We went out to Morrisons and people were stopping us. I said he might have to start doing autographs soon.

"But even when him and Shaun have finished for the day, Callum is still replying to messages and putting a list together for who they are delivering to on the following day and who needs which items."

Last year Callum organised a fundraising event at The Railway Inn, which included a fairground ride and a couple of stalls to raise money for charities, Young Epilepsy and Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY).

Phil Leese owner of the pub contacted Callum and stated he could hold the fundraiser on the pub's car park, Mr Leese also put on a barbecue.

advertisement

Those two charities were selected because Callum's older sister Megan Bloor, (15), was diagnosed with epilepsy three years ago and the main prize from the fundraiser was a holiday, which was donated by Emma Davidson, whose ex-husband suffered from a cardiac arrest.

Callum raised £1,000 from the event, which was attended by Mayor of Congleton Sally Ann Holland.

Ms Smith concluded: "He's the best and the rock to our family. He is always willing to help out and I cannot thank him enough for the support he shows me, his older sister and younger brother Riley aged seven."