THE latest recipient of The Mail’s Bouquet of the Week is a man who has been praised for recharging the community.

Matt Blackburn, of the Zest community group, has received plaudits for a number of local projects, including the renovation of a disused restaurant.

He was part of a team which transformed the former Roundhouse restaurant at Biggar Bank on Walney into a community hub.

The hub was recently unveiled to the public as crowds assembled at the centre for a coffee morning.

As well as that work, the Zest group has also taken it upon themselves to rid the streets of litter in Barrow and beyond.

It has hosted a number of community litter picks since it was founded six months ago.

Matt was nominated by Walney resident Maureen Balding, 67.

She said: “What Matt has done has been brilliant.

“He has done so much over the last two weeks to get the Roundhouse hub up and running.

“It’s a really big thing for the community to have a space that we can use at Biggar Bank.

“Matt’s work in cleaning up the streets has been really good to see as well.

“We need people to care about what they leave on the street but Matt and the team have done a good job in cleaning up.

“We should say a big thank you to the team.”

Matt said: “The support from the community has been amazing.

“I’ve received so many kind words. We set up Zest to because I like to see things get done and wanted to do it myself.”

Last year’s mayor of Barrow, Bill McEwan, also lined up to praise Matt.

He said: “It’s a thoroughly deserved honour for a hardworking lad.

“He has put some hours into the Roundhouse working well into the small hours to make it happen for the community.

“A big well done to a true hero.”

If you would like to put forward a special person or group for The Mail’s Bouquet of the week then please get in touch with reporter Dan Taylor.

Email dan.taylor@newsquest.co.uk or call 01229 40175, making sure to leave your contact details.

Floral and Hardy in Ulverston provides the flowers.