A Rossendale Borough Council employee who spends his working day helping residents, and his spare time helping people in his local community, has been shortlisted for a BBC award.
Tariq Mushtaq, Revenues and Benefits Team Leader at Rossendale Borough Council, has been named as one of four finalists for The Great Neighbour Award at the 2026 BBC Radio Lancashire Make a Difference Awards.
The awards recognise people across Lancashire who go the extra mile to help others and make a positive difference in their communities. With more than 1,000 nominations submitted this year, Tariq’s place among the final four is a great achievement.
Outside of his role at the Council, Tariq regularly gives his time to help people in the community where he lives. His voluntary work includes helping people complete forms and applications, supporting those who face language barriers and helping neighbours navigate services and access the support they need.
For Tariq, helping others is simply part of being a good neighbour. He said:
“It was a lovely surprise to find out that I had been nominated, and then to be shortlisted as one of the final four was something I never expected.
“I do quite a lot of voluntary work in my local community. I’m always happy to help if I can, and I think sometimes the smallest things can make a real difference to someone.
“There are so many people who quietly give their time to help others, without expecting anything in return, so to be recognised in this way is a real honour. I’m very grateful to whoever took the time to nominate me.
“It’s a privilege to serve the people of Rossendale through my work at the Council, as well as supporting the community where I live. I’m really looking forward to the awards ceremony and meeting the other finalists.”
David Smurthwaite, Director of Economic Development for Rossendale Borough Council, said:
“Tariq is a wonderful example of someone who genuinely cares about people. His commitment to helping others doesn’t end when his working day does, he gives his own time to support people in his local community simply because he wants to make a difference.
“We’re incredibly proud to see him recognised for something that comes so naturally to him. To be shortlisted as one of just four finalists from more than 1,000 nominations is a fantastic achievement, and we wish Tariq the very best of luck at the awards.”
The winner of The Great Neighbour Award will be announced at the BBC Radio Lancashire Make a Difference Awards ceremony at Lancaster Town Hall on the afternoon of Saturday 12 September.
Rossendale Borough Council is wishing Tariq the very best of luck and congratulating him on this well-deserved recognition.