The Ivy Street Community Group have been named the Fusion Community Group of the Year.

In what is always one of the most difficult categories to judge and this year was no exception.

The award was this year sponsored by Walker Prestons.

Community spirit has helped make a small group set-up by a team of volunteers a huge success.

The Ivy Street community group is led by two sisters Doreen Mitchell and Christine Connell. Together Doreen and Christine opened the centre back in 1987 and have not looked back.

Each volunteer works on average 60 hours per week and it is this dedication that has ensured the centre has become the hub of their local community. Christine herself is battling serious illness but continues her work.

All staff volunteer and raise all their own money which they use to fund the centre.

Tracy from the group said, “I didn’t think we would win. To take this back to our volunteers will be fantastic.

“We can’t believe we won! This will certainly cheer Doreen up who is presently in hospital.”

Community Group of the Year finalists this year also included: The Oldham Street Angels, Rochdale Foodbank, Bolton Hindu Forum and Indian Senior Citizen Centre.