THE Wee County said thanks to the big heroes of local charities and voluntary groups at the CTSi Third Sector Awards in Alva last Friday, June 7.

There were plenty of accolades going around with a total of 10 categories both for local individuals and organisations.

Lt Col (Rtd) Johnny Stewart, Clackmannanshire’s Lord-Lieutenant, opened the evening at the Cochrane Hall, run by Alva Development Trust which “went over and above” to ensure the event was a success.

Winners included Brian Douglas of the Conservation Volunteers’ EPIC project for Newcomer of the Year while John Willies of the Ochils Mountain Rescue Team scooped the Long Service Award.

Young Volunteer of the Year was Cameron Graham at Hawkhill and Muriel Lockerbie, who had been involved with various groups, won the Sandy’s Choice award.

Hugh Grant of Forth Valley Welcome received Trustee of the Year before the ceremony moved on to recognise groups and staff.

Winners of group awards included Clackmannanshire Older Adults Forum, Wimpy Park Community Group, EPIC by the Conservation Volunteers, Home-Start and the Dollar Volunteer Drivers Scheme.

Interest in, and nominations for, the awards has grown massively over the past two years, nearly doubling year-on-year.

Louise Orr, who organised the event for Clackmannanshire Third Sector Interface, said: “As the local TSI, we feel we know the community well and yet each year we are still blown away when reading the nominations and getting an insight in to the sheer breadth of work going on.

“In past years, the ceremony has run purely to celebrate volunteers and their contribution locally.

“However, as we know, volunteers are but a part, a vital part, but a part, within our third sector organisations; and we also need to celebrate the wider achievements made possible with the efforts of staff too.

“So this year, we took this in to account, and our group awards recognise the efforts of the full team involved in activities.”

Thanks go to entertainers Margaret Daniels, Forefront Stage School, Alba Performing Arts School and Sauchie Community Choir.

A further nod of appreciation goes to sponsors who helped bring the private and third sectors closer by supporting the event.

Thanks also to the panel and the many local dignitaries who attended including Provost Tina Murphy and MP Luke Graham.