Community awards honour Ayrshire’s unsung heroes

Oct 15 2010 by Stuart Wilson, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

UNSUNG heroes took their bow as glitz and glamour came to the annual West Sound Community Awards.

Ayr Racecourse was the setting as nominees learned their fate in front of a packed audience.

And the radio station’s listeners had voted in their droves to honour some of the community’s most deserving people.

South Ayrshire came out on top at the awards with a host of gongs going to residents in categories across the board.

Businesses and individuals were celebrating in equal measure as a range of prizes were dished out.

Top entertainment on the night came from Scots’ singers Carrie Mac and Michelle McManus.

But the show stealer was undoubtedly Ayr’s Nicola Cassells, who wowed the audience with a sensational impromptu performance.

Nicola went on to receive a special One to Watch award after being singled out as a star of the future.

The Ayrshire Post, Kilmarnock Standard and Irvine Herald added their support on the night and sponsored the Best Local Charity award, which was won by North Ayrshire Cancer Care.

Among the other winners were Tarbolton Residents and Tenants Association, who scooped the contribution to the community title.

Ayr’s Small Talk Café won best local business while the town’s Asda was awarded best workplace.

Up and coming youngster was Gavin Drysdale, while the Ayr Flower Show received a special Toast of Ayrshire award for its contribution to community life.

Best local business person was Marsie Stuart and best teacher was Kyle Academy’s Leigh Anderson.

West Sound station director Brenda Ritchie said: “The West Sound Radio Community Awards is all about celebrating success and heroes in our community.

“The award ceremony demonstrated the talent that Ayrshire has – we should all be very proud of the cream of Ayrshire talent that we celebrated on the night, from the Child Bravery to the Good Neighbour Award, each and every finalist and winner plays a part in making Ayrshire a top place to live and work.”