ALEX Haddow told the Rotary Club that Mary Maxwell's death in 2013 had been a severe blow to the Civic Week organisation.

He said: "Mary had been secretary for over 20 years and also treasurer and her death created a massive void.

"With the four other members of the committee wishing to stand down it left three people and we put out an appeal for assistance and nine volunteers stepped forward.

"We now have ten volunteers and each one does a tremendous amount of work to ensure that Gala Day takes place but also other things such as the Scots Night and the Christmas Lights switch-on.

"Each one of these committee members does a tremendous job and ensures that all the things we try goes ahead."