Community awards to honour local heroes

Oct 2 2009 by Stuart Wilson

LEADING lights of the community will take their bow at a special awards night.

The West Sound radio bash, being staged at Ayr Racecourse, will honour the great and good next Thursday.

A range of categories have been designed to recognise contributions to the community from individuals and groups, with awards voted for by the public.

West Sound’s station director Brenda Ritchie revealed: “The awards go from strength to strength and are now a firm date in the Ayrshire calendar.

“West Sound wants to celebrate success and recognise heroes in the Ayrshire community.

“The event takes a moment to pay tribute to the people who have made a significant contribution to life in the West Sound and West FM areas.”

The Ayrshire Post is joining the party and sponsoring the award for best local charity.

In the running are the Ayrshire Cancer Support Group, Woodroad Regeneration Forum and the committee of Butterfly Events.

Elsewhere, awards will be dished out to a host of winners who’ve given to their community.

Nominees are – Contribution to the Community: Allies; the Board of Cumnock and District Leisure Group; The Lighthouse Foundation. Best Local Pub or Club: Porthead Tavern, Irvine; Coylton Arms; Madisons, Ayr. Unsung Hero: Marsie Stuart, Troon; Gordon Neil, Stewarton; Colin Young, Kilwinning. Business Person of the Year: Gilly Ferguson, Ayr; Craig Denholm, Irvine; Fiona Gale, Dreghorn. Local Business of the Year: The Cook School at Braehead Foods, Kilmarnock; Mainline Taxis, Ayr; Ayr Central Shopping Centre. Good Neighbour Award: Mr & Mrs Ernie Bush, Crosshouse; Steven and Cathy Grace, Ayr; Marlynn Lowe, Dreghorn. Contribution to Sport: Alan Jardine, Hurlford; Alan Carruthers, Irvine; Lee Wilson, Irvine. Best Workplace: Tappie Toorie Restaurant, Turnberry Hotel; DBC Food Services, Dundonald; Calmac Ferries, Ardrossan. Best Teacher: Mrs Richardson, Stanley Primary, Ardrossan; Mr Russell, Glenburn Primary, Prestwick; Mrs Logan, Gateside Primary, Gateside. Up and Coming Youngster: Liam Baillie, Kilmarnock; Brandon Coyle, Irvine; Scott Faulkner, Cumnock. Best Local Charity: Ayrshire Cancer Support, Kilmarnock; Woodroad Regeneration Forum, Cumnock; team of Butterfly Events, Ayr. Lifetime Achievement Award: James Campbell, Irvine; Alasdair Moreland, Troon; Leslie McCammont, Saltcoats.