SELFLESS volunteers who keep the fabric of Wee County society together have been recognised for their widespread efforts at an awards ceremony last week.

The Cochrane Hall in Alva served as the venue for Clackmannanshire Third Sector Interface's Volunteers' Week Awards on Wednesday, June 7.

Fast becoming an annual tradition, the awards crowned a week of celebrating all things volunteering with a focus on the individuals and groups who give up their time and skills for free to help others.

Plenty of prizes were handed out with the night also incorporating the former Citizen of the Year awards, now called the Provost's Young Person of the Year and the Lord Lieutenant’s Clackmannanshire Community Champion of the Year.

The awards went to Kate McLaren, from Play Alloa, and Kenny Quinn, of Forth Valley Men's Shed, respectively.

Craig Thomson, of Enabling Projects in Clackmannanshire and The Conservation Volunteers, was named Climate and Environmental Volunteer of the Year.

Forth Valley Men's Shed celebrated twice as it was named Community Group of the Year while Anne Wilson, a helper at The Japanese Garden at Cowden, received the Creative and Heritage Volunteer of the Year award.

There was more as Thank You for the Music Singing Group scooped Community Initiative of the Year and Kelly Sagar, who recently featured in the Advertiser, won Health and Social Care Volunteer of the Year for his work with Wee County Walkers and the Clacks branch of the Stroke Association.

Sauchie Community Group stalwart and former Citizen of the Year Keith Turner was named Trustee of the Year.

Janis McTaggart and Sophie Allan were also both recognised for their outstanding voluntary work in the community as The King's Coronation Champions.

The Cochrane Hall was busy with life for the awards night, organised by CTSI's Colin Melville, team leader for volunteering and routes to work, and Chris White, volunteer development assistant.

Chris told the Advertiser of a great night enjoyed by all and explained that volunteers are the “glue” bringing Clackmannanshire society together.

He added: “They make Clackmannanshire a kinder place in both smooth and turbulent times.

“We got so many nominations this year and hearing the stories of all these different people, as well as seeing good people get rewarded for their hard work was amazing.”

Chris gave thanks to all taking part, those who nominated others as well as the Lord Lieutenancy of Clackmannanshire and Provost Donald Balsillie for their involvement with their respective awards.

He also praised the team at the Cochrane Hall and Alva Development Trust for serving as the hosts.

There was plenty more in the Wee County during Volunteers' Week, held between June 1 and 7 each year, including a recruitment fayre at Tullibody Civic Centre.

A nod of appreciation went to Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) for supporting the event and for providing the shuttle buses to the venue on the day to make it accessible.