AN ALLOA volunteer and veteran has received a prestigious award for his commitment to the armed forces community.

Army veteran Donnie Munro, 71, has received the Sir James Gildea Global Award for his work supporting the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA)

Mr Munro has been instrumental in the area for the SSAFA – the armed forces charity, in a variety of roles for the past nine years.

He is currently the SSAFA Forth Valley branch's fundraising convener and has raised more than £80,000 for the service community since joining.

The veteran, who served for 40 years and continues to help the wider armed forces community, has been organising numerous events, putting in enormous work behind the scenes.

On top of raising funds, the Forth Valley fundraising convener has also managed to consolidate a partnership with the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders Association to support branch fundraising.

He was also instrumental in establishing the SSAFA Forth Valley office at the Forthside Depot, following two complex moves.

Mr Munro received the award from Stirlingshire vice lord lieutenant Colonel Alastair Campbell and SSAFA Forth Valley president Colonel Colin Peebles.

The Clacks man said: "I feel very honoured to have been selected for this award.

"I decided to volunteer with SSAFA due to the breadth of help it offers the service community.

"As a 40-year veteran, I totally back its efforts to help our servicemen and women and their families when they need support."

Mr Munro joined the Queen's Own Highlanders straight from school in 1965, with postings including Berlin, the Middle East and the Falklands.

He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 2005 and saw for himself the vital service SSAFA provides to serving and retired service personnel and their families.

Married to wife Maureen, with whom he has a daughter, Mr Munro is stepping down as the fundraising convener, but is still planning to keep busy as a volunteer.

He is encouraging others to do the same with the SSAFA seeking caseworkers, mentors and fundraising volunteers.

Those looking to help out will have the chance to meet some inspiring people with unforgettable stories to tell.

Volunteers also have the chance to gain new skills and experiences while making a difference.

For more information about volunteering and support on offer at SSAFA Forth Valley, email forthvalley.branch@ssafa.org.uk, call 01786 479541 or visit ssafa.org.uk/forth-valley