One Lanarkshire village has paid tribute to its volunteers with its first awards ceremony.
Newmains Community Council and the village’s Community Trust staged the awards night at the NCT Centre.
The gala dinner also raised approximately £1,000 which will go towards the installation of a defibrillator due to be housed at the NCT Centre.
Karen Mitchell, from the community council, said: “The nomination process began earlier in the year and we were delighted to welcome the winners to the ceremony.
“It was brilliant to see everyone there. We are hoping to make this an annual event.
“During Covid it came to light that many people were going above and beyond to help members of the community and we thought we should do something to recognise them.”
Brian Jordan Electrics, who donated thousands for the village’s Christmas lights appeal took home the Business of the Year.
Community Group of the Year was won by Woodland Clean Up for helping to clean up local wildlife spots.
Jordan Currie, who made and ferried food to pensioners during the pandemic was named Ambassador of the Year while tireless campaigner Sharon Barrett was awarded Fundraiser of the Year.
Finally community council stalwart John Harper received the Edwina McAlpine Award for outstanding service to Newmains.
Local councillor Robert John McKendrick said: “It was a fantastic night and the awards handed out were very well deserved.
“We should be celebrating people and businesses within the community who go that extra mile. These people are worth their weight in gold to communities like Newmains.
“They deserve all the credit they are deservedly getting.”
Motherwell and Wishaw MSP Clare Adamson added: “Having the Newmains community together in celebration was a breath of fresh air in difficult times.
“Thanks must go to the organisers for putting on a brilliant awards night.
“It was a privilege to present the Woodland Clean Up with an award for Community Group of the Year.
“This event showed the breadth of talent, dedication, and empathy that exists across Newmains and all proceeds went towards a new defibrillator for the area.
“Many congratulations to all the winners and nominees.
“I’m sure that these inaugural awards will mark an annual tradition of celebrating the individuals and groups that are making a real difference to people’s lives across our community.”
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