Provost celebrates the hard work of selfless volunteers

A host of South Lanarkshire stars were honoured for their dazzling work in their communities at this year’s provost awards, recognising volunteers of all ages for contributions ranging from running community groups and events to fundraising and litter picking.

- JUDITH TONNER

More than 30 individuals and groups were nominated by councillors in praise of their volunteer efforts and support for fellow residents.

They were then invited to a special ceremony at the council's headquarters in Hamilton where they received commemorative certificates and paperweights from provost Margaret Cooper to mark their “outstanding contribution to their communities” through charity work, community groups, sports teams and helping the environment.

The youngest recipient was eight-year-old Darson Watson, described as “an absolute inspiration to our town of Larkhall” for his work in carrying out weekly litter picks in local parks and along the River Avon with mum Sandra and their dogs.

His video messages highlighting the issue of litter are then shared on social media and have resulted in “a tremendous response from other locals eager to join the clean-up efforts” in the community.

Darson was honoured alongside recipients including Earnock Residents’ Association secretary Sally Dallas, who led the successful campaign to reinstate the area's bus service; mum-of-four Corrie Reis who runs a weekly family activity night for children and carers as well as a summer programme and last year ran a 50-person camp at Wiston Lodge; and Ray Ryan, described as having “a profound impact on young people and the local community” for her three decades as parent helper, chair and treasurer with Hamilton District Youth Theatre.