A charity is to honour a World War veteran as it opens a new Dementia Centre in Lancashire.

EachStep Blackburn will be a state-of-the-art dementia care service, which is opening to the public on 23 May. Community Integrated Care, the charity managing the centre is to name the three households of EachStep Blackburn after local heroes, both past and present.

The charity invited members of the local public to submit nominations and a panel chose to recognise local 'unsung heroes', who have not had public acclaim for their wonderful contribution to the Blackburn community.

Fazal Hussain was put forward by member of the public, Dave Hawath.

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He said that Fazal, who died at the age of 95, played a vital role in supporting community cohesion initiatives, supporting local schools and serving for the Royal Army Medical Corps in World War II.

Nan Goodall was nominated by Sam Morris, CEO of Blackburn with Darwen with Darwen Carers Service, who highlighted her work in supporting the development of Ewood Park, role as Chair of a local Community Association, and her leadership role as a Trustee at the Carers Centre.

Doreen Mitchell from Ivy St Community Centre nominated Paul Green. She highlighted his efforts to keep the streets of Blackburn clean, by working as a volunteer litter picker, and support of housebound members of the community, who he collects groceries for.

The three winners will all be honoured at the official launch ceremony for EachStep Blackburn on 19 May.

Neil Matthewman, Chief Executive of Community Integrated Care, said: "Our aim is to make EachStep Blackburn a genuine hub of the local community.

"Honouring the town's heroes makes a great statement about our commitment to involving and giving back to local people.

"We'd like to thank all of our partners and every member of the public who supported this initiative. In Paul, Nan and Fazal, we believe that have found three special people who are worthy of being permanently honoured in our pioneering home."

The three winners were selected by Neil Matthewman, Chief Executive of Community Integrated Care, and a panel of some of its key local partners - Christine Connell, Manager at Ivy St Community Centre; Zaffer Khan, Head of Communications at One Voice; Andy McHugh, Service Lead for Adult Social Care at Blackburn with Darwen Council; and Sir Bill Taylor, Chair of Healthwatch, Blackburn with Darwen.

The home has formed partnerships with One Voice Age UK, Blackburn College, Blackburn Carers Service and Blackburn Rovers Community Trust.