Ayrshire’s unsung heroes to take bow

Oct 8 2010 by Stuart Wilson, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

UNSUNG heroes are set to take their bow at a glittering awards ceremony in Ayrshire.

The West Sound Community bash will honour individuals and groups who go the extra mile for their cause.

And winners will receive their prizes during a glitzy bash tonight (Thursday) at Ayr racecourse.

Categories ranging from Good Neighbour to Best Teacher have attracted a flood of nominations from the public.

The awards, now in their fourth year, aim to celebrate the community’s hidden heroes.

The event includes an award for Best Local Charity, sponsored by the Ayrshire Post, Kilmarnock Standard and Irvine Herald.

Up for nomination is Ayrshire Sportsability, an organisation aimed at giving youngsters with disabilities a fair shot at sports.

Ayrshire Cancer Care, based in Kilwinning, was also nominated after one West Sound listener wrote: “Without this solely volunteer run organisation, life at the time could have been much more stressful and painful for us all.

“I’d like nothing more than to see this local charity recognised for their hard work and dedication to helping those families like my own over the years.”

The final charity nomination goes to Kilmarnock’s Holiday Project, which provides affordable holidays for people on low incomes and the unemployed.

Ayrshire Post debuty editor Cheryl McEvoy confessed: “The work of charities within our communities is something we can never take for granted.

“Whether it be individuals or groups, they show a tremendous dedication to helping others.

“We love nothing more than a good news story about one of our many successful local charities and they are all winners for the work they do.”

Other awards on the night include contribution to the community, unsung hero, business person of the year, local business of the year, best workplace and the up and coming youngster prize.

West Sound chief Brenda Ritchie said: “The West Sound Radio Community Awards is all about celebrating heroes in our community and Ayrshire has the cream of the crop.

“This is the fourth year we have staged the Community Awards and I would like to thank the sponsors without their support the event would not be possible.

“It’s fantastic that the winners are voted for by our audience on both West Sound and West FM and I would just like to say a big congratulations to everyone who reached the final – in my eyes they are all winners.”