INSPIRING youngsters from throughout Warrington were invited to Cheshire Police Museum for a prestigious awards ceremony.
The Harold Howarth Awards were established in 2022 in memory of PC Howarth who passed away in May 2019 aged 86. His daughter Gill was a guest at the ceremony.
The awards recognise children who make a positive impact in the community.
Nominees enjoyed a museum tour seeing the Victorian cells, historic uniforms, firearms displays and other attractions. Highlight for many was sitting in a police car and on a motorbike.
Excitement grew as they entered the historic court rooms where they were greeted by police mascot PC Panda and welcomed by Chief Inspector Neil Drum.
Chief Inspector Anna Keefe presented awards and praised the hard work of nominees.
She said: “It was a privilege to present the awards to the children, who should all be very proud of themselves. I was so impressed by their kindness, compassion and maturity. They have all helped their local communities and charities, and the PC Harold Howarth Awards are a wonderful way of recognising that”
Organiser Warrington PCSO Becky Shevlin said: “The awards have really captured the imagination of the children.”
Joint first place went to Olivia Rose aged 10 of Brook Acre Primary School and Henry aged nine of Christ Church Primary School. They win cash prizes and share the Harold Howarth trophy during the year.
Becky said: “Olivia raised money for charity by cutting her hair and donating it, in memory of her best friend, who passed away from a brain tumour. Teachers are impressed by how resilient Olivia is.
“Henry is a young carer as his mum has cancer. Henry is passionate about fundraising for cancer research and has competed in events such as Pretty Mudder, Zip Wire and other activities to raise awareness and funding.”
Second place went to Riya of Woolston CE Primary School who was inspired to protect the environment after celebrating Earth Day 2024 at school in April. She wrote and delivered letters to shops in her area suggesting they consider their use of plastics and packaging.
Three children tied for third place - Emilie aged nine of Woolston CE Primary School, Amelia aged 11 of St Lewis Primary School and Mary Kate aged 10 of St Lewis Primary School.
Emilie and her mum attended a wellbeing and empowerment festival for women and girls in Cheshire called Womanifest CIC. She was nominated as a festival mascot and helps out.
Amelia conducted a bake sale in school and was sponsored to have her hair cut for the Little Princess Trust. She raised £735 in total for charity.
Mary Kate raised £692 by cutting 18 inches off her hair to help make a wig for someone.
Museum manager Peter Hampson said; “It was an honour to host the ceremony and meet the youngsters and their parents. They enjoyed the tour of the museum and finding out about police work and history.”
The Arpley Street Museum is staging four Open Wednesdays on 7, 14, 21 and 28 August from 10am to 3pm. There is also a family Open Day on Saturday 14th September from 10am to 4pm.