Fifteen-year-old student Zainab Iqbal will be hosting the annual One Voice annual dinner early next year.

The St. Wilfrid’s Academy student is part of the girls group West End Girls (WEGs), run by One Voice. The Annual Dinner will also feature the 1V Community Champion Awards.

The awards celebrate the very best of community people and groups in Blackburn and Darwen. Awards include Young Person, Institute, Man and Woman of the Year 2018.

One Voice will be announcing the winners at the One Voice Annual Dinner on Saturday, 24 February 2018.

The Annual Dinner 2018 will feature presentations from the many groups run by One Voice Blackburn. These include the 1V Scouts, West End Girls (WEGs), 2020 Vision, 1V Women’s Network, 1V Cricket Academy, and 1V Netball.

Chairman of One Voice Abrar Hussain said, “We are immensely looking forward to the Annual Dinner. The awards highlight the selfless work being done to better our local community and often this important work goes unrecognised.

“This year Zainab from the WEGs will be hosting the event. Zainab is a diligent member of the group who actively seeks to make a difference to her community.”

Paul Green, Creative Media Marketing Manager at St. Wilfrid’s Academy said, “Zainab is a spirited individual who shows great passion towards building a cohesive community, both inside and outside of the Academy.

"She was part of the core team that helped write and direct a short film, titled 'Walls', that tackles radicalisation and segregation within the community.

"She also played a role in casting and helping behind the camera, as a member of the film crew. We believe she will do a fantastic job hosting the One Voice Annual Dinner and by standing up and getting involved with her peers, she is a role model for others.”

To nominate someone for the 1V Community Champion Awards you can email info@onevoicenetwork.org.uk