THE finalists for the annual Clackmannanshire Citizen and Young Citizen of the Year awards have been revealed.

Each year, the scheme seeks to recognise Wee County people who go above and beyond to help their local communities.

The winners will be announced at what will be the 16th ceremony of its kind on Tuesday, March 5.

Among the young people nominated is the S6 cohort from Alva Academy, who have raised in excess of £43,000 for a variety of charities with a focus on Macmillan Cancer Support.

Kara-Olivia Anderson made the shortlist due to her commitment to raising money for Poppy Scotland's Poppy Pledge to help those impacted by war in Clacks and beyond.

Leah Anderson and Eva Duncan received a joint nomination as they have given up their spare time to help raise money for Macmillan, have helped in Remembrance events and help support the Parkinson's Choir.

Sara Anwar, Jamie Noon and Emma Orr have all volunteered for Disability Scotland, inspired by the Youth Philanthropy Initiative, meriting a joint nomination.

Keen volunteer Lauren Binning will also be there as she helped many charities while becoming a Dux medallist. She also performs in musical ensembles, is a founding member of the Trad Band and completed her Duke of Edinburgh Silver Award.

Another DoE Silver awardee, Scott Brough has given up much of his spare time to help numerous charities, took part in fundraising activities including a team cycle from Glasgow to Edinburgh and encourages young people as a ski instructor.

Brave Aiden Cribben was put forward after he helped neighbours rescue the occupant of a flat which went ablaze on Boxing Day.

James Evans and Cameron Murphy made the shortlist as they have been helping to make sure school performances look and sound professional while performing regularly as musicians, contributing to charity events and helping out local primaries.

Sarah Harris is a sports leader, running a successfully weekly badminton club, helping to organise competitions in her spare time. She also raised money for Macmillan by cutting 12inches off her hair.

Katherine Martin also runs an after-school badminton club while taking part in various events, volunteering weekly at a local nursery and care home. She also gave her time for free at last year's Special Olympics.

And last, but not least in the Young Citizen of the Year awards, Martha Tindall will also be at the awards ceremony for her charity work which includes weekly bake sales at her school. She is also a musical soloists, mentors other young aspiring musicians and organised a Christmas performance at Forth Valley Royal Hospital.

On the shortlist for the Citizen of the Year award is George Burnett who leads and supports the Scouts in Clackmannanshire as district commissioner, looking after more than 500 members and 150 adult volunteers.

Local firefighter Alan Faulds is also among the finalists with nearly 26 years of service behind him. As area liaison officer he works with local communities and volunteers to spread road safety messages each year with the Safe Drive Stay Alive roadshow.

Alex Harvey received a nomination for transforming the school garden at Park Primary into a quiet and safe learning space for children so they can access outdoor learning activities, as well as for running gardening and chess clubs to nurture young people.

Marion Levett also made the list as she has worked for a number of years to help support local women suffering from abuse, addiction, mental ill health or other issues and is now fostering children.

Denise Moffat and Adrian Tobin received a joint nomination for their role in rescuing the occupant from a flat on fire in Alva. They raised the alarm and bravely got into the property to help.

Provost Tina Murphy will be presenting the awards.

She said: "All these finalists have made significant contributions to our communities in Clackmannanshire in so many valuable ways.

"I look forward to hearing the Lord Lieutenant announce the winner of the Citizen of the Year next month and I will be delighted to announce the winner of the Young Citizen of the Year at the event."