A LEADING community worker has received an award in recognition of the hard work he has done for the area.

Security officer John Wright, from Barrow, has been given the Securitas award for work within the community.

Securitas’ internal community awards recognise employees across ten different categories including Community Award, Leadership and Outstanding Act.

Mr Wright will be invited to attend an annual gala in September where an overall winner will be chosen from the four winners of the quarterly award.

Mr Wright founded Barrow Community Kitchen alongside Sharon Foden in 2015.

The kitchen is run by a group of volunteers and operates as a place for people to come if they have been sanctioned or are struggling financially or if they are feeling the impacts of social isolation.

Since opening it has been a vital source of food and friendship for many people in the area.

Mr Wright said: “It was exciting to find out I had won as I didn’t even know I had been put forward.

“We’ve been working hard at the community kitchen, we have secured funding to hire a youth worker and are aiming to start a youth club in around a months time.

“The kitchen is currently open four days a week.

“But hopefully we will soon be able to stay open seven days a week.

“We have been holding interviews for more directors recently.

“So it is looking really promising.”

Grainne Kelly, human resources and Securitas operations centre director, said: “The Securitas Community Award recognises colleagues who give their time freely to their local community, for no reward, but purely for the satisfaction of helping others.

“We are extremely proud of our Security Officer, John Wright, and the difference he has made since opening Barrow Community Kitchens four years ago.

“John and his team of volunteers work hard all year round to support local families in need.

“John is a worthy winner of our Community Award.”