A 19 year old housing association tenant from Ashton-Under-Lyne has been honoured with a Young Rising Star Award from his landlord Guinness Northern Counties at a ceremony held at the Leeds Hilton Hotel.
Andrew Hall came to be a resident at Enville Place on Richmond Street in July 2011 after becoming homeless. Looking for a career working with animals, Andrew currently volunteers at Tameside Animal Sanctuary in Hyde three full days a week to gain work experience and was made responsible for the canine section of the sanctuary within just two months of starting.
Despite the work being unpaid, Andrew happily walks to and from the sanctuary for over an hour each trip in the hope of eventually gaining employment with them, or another animal centre.
Andrew was presented with his award by Malcolm Rogers, Board Member of Guinness Northern Counties. The Oldham-based housing association owns and manages over 26,000 homes across the North of England including Enville Place, where support to residents is provided by Riverside English Churches Housing Group.
Mr Rogers said: “Young people all too often get a bad press but here’s an example of a young man who’s not had the best starts in life but who’s showing real determination to make something of himself and give something back to society at the same time. He thoroughly deserves this recognition and on behalf of everyone at Guinness Northern Counties I wish him every success in the future.”
On receiving his award, Andrew said: “I am really surprised to get this award but very happy about it, thank you!”