It has been a hot one in Preston this week, and while temperatures soared, there were lots of fascinating stories to share.

From a 12-year-old Preston schoolgirl winning a ‘Step Into the NHS’ competition to the UCLan medical school confirming a new senior medic hire, residents from across the region have achieved much in the last seven days.

Here are five stories you may have missed.

Hundreds of early Eid ul Adha meals delivered to Prestonians impacted by Covid-19

A special Eid ul Adha meal has been delivered to Prestonians impacted by Covid-19 by community group Preston Promise.

The classic dish of Lamb Biryani, which originates from the kitchens of the Mogul Empire, was on the menu along with all the trimmings and a starter course of Gazebo Chicken and baby potatoes. 

Just under 240 meals were delivered to recipients at the weekend, with caterers Adam’s Rasoi cooking the dishes and delivering them to Preston Promise’s headquarters, Frenchwood Community Primary School.

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Read Easy Preston to help adults bridge the literacy skills gap

North West planning consultancy PWA Planning are supporting a charity that is helping to bridge the literacy skills gap in Preston.

Read Easy Preston is a newly formed community-based support group for adults with low literacy who wish to learn how to read.

The group is run by a committee of volunteers from the local area, each bringing with them different skills and life experiences, with the aim of providing free, confidential, one-to-one reading coaching for adults.

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Preston’s ‘strong cultural and creative community’ highlighted as Lancashire revives bid for UK City of Culture 2025

The Lancashire 2025 team has submitted an expression of interest for UK City of Culture 2025 following the axing of the original bid last month.

The three-year process, in which the team worked in partnership with colleagues and stakeholders across the county, involved an ambitious vision for the bid.

But, in June, County Councillor Alan Vincent, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, said after carefully considering the potential costs and benefits, the council could no longer underwrite it and withdrew the bid.

However, following an intense few weeks of discussion, the Lancashire 2025 team submitted the new bid on Monday 19 July.

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Preston thanks the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service for their hard work during the pandemic

Lancashire’s county councillors have paid tribute to the work of the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

At the full council meeting on Thursday 15 July, all councillors backed a motion thanking the service for the invaluable contribution that they have made and continue to make.

Throughout the pandemic, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service staff have taken on a range of additional duties to support the national effort to fight coronavirus.

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Preston-based Lustalux celebrating 30th anniversary

Preston-based Lustalux is celebrating its 30-year anniversary.

The company have provided specialist graphics for everything from NHS facilities to international convention centres all over the country.

They have also provided window film to Preston’s iconic bus station and Blackpool Tower’s Skywalk.

Over the course of the last 30 years, Lustalux has grown from the small niche of window film installation to an award-winning window film, architectural wrapping and signage specialist company.

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