A PROJECT for people with learning disabilities in Hyndburn has been honoured at an awards event.

Spring into Action scooped the SELNET (Social Enterprise Lancashire Network) New Social Enterprise of The Year Award for its work on health and arts projects.

Accepting the honour at a glittering ceremony at the Dunkenhalgh Hotel in Clayton-le-Moors were delighted winners and founders, Lucy Hamlin, Rachael McHugh and Dawn Vickers.

They set up Spring into Action in October 2012 after they spotted a gap in the market for quality services for people with learning disabilities.

It has been a successful time for their pet project, which is also set to expand after gaining £25,000 funding from a number of backers.

Lucy said: “To be awarded funding in our first year with no company trading record is a great achievement, but to be awarded funding from more than one source and for a range of projects is fantastic. It reinforces to us that we are doing a good thing for local people with disabilities.”

Rachael added: “We are completely shocked to win this award but it is the icing of the cake for us after the successes during our first 12 months.”

Funding from The Big Lottery and British Heart Foundation enabled them to launch Fit and Food, a healthy lifestyles project for adults with learning disabilities.

The project, launched in September, provides exercise, cook and eat sessions and heart health education. Further funding from The Arts Council and Lancashire County Council has created an arts programme delivered to young people in Hyndburn. Starting in January, Spring into Art will bring together young people with and without disabilities, aged between 13 and 19.

The scheme explores drama, photography and creative art including entry into a Bronze Arts Award.

For more information about Spring into Action’s service, contact Lucy on 07742 510496 or visit www.spring-projects.co.uk