TIRELESS work in the community has earned Anne Hay the Benarty Citizen of the Year Award.

Meanwhile the tremendous fundraising efforts of a P6 pupil at Benarty Primary School won Cooper Davidson the Junior Citizen of the Year accolade. Benarty Community Council chairman, Stephen Nardone, said that the nominations lodged for both of them ‘said it all.’

Anne was nominated by Tony Zimny, of Benarty Heritage Preservation Group, who said: “Anne has worked tirelessly on the committees of a number of groups in the Benarty area including the Heritage Preservation Group, the Recycled Teenagers and Lochore Old People’s Welfare Council.

“Anne gives of her time and energy freely to support all these groups by being the backbone of these voluntary organisations. Over many years Anne has travelled outwith the area with these groups and has proved to be a true ambassador for Benarty.”

Cooper was nominated by teacher at Benarty Primary, Jackie Johnstone, who said: “Cooper is a young girl in our Primary 6 class who, on hearing of the adversity her friend and classmate was facing acted in a selfless manner. Cooper’s friend was diagnosed with lymphoma and the family wanted to raise money to improve their garden so that she could enjoy the outdoors during her treatment. To help achieve this, Cooper decided to donate her hair to the Little Princess Trust, who make real hair wigs for children.

“Cooper raised over £1,000 and showed such care and compassion for her friend.”

Added Stephen: “Anne has also been a hard worker with Benarty Gardening Club and assisted as the BRAG organisation was being set up. Cooper, for someone so young, has shown amazing compassion for her friend and they are worthy winners of the awards.”

There were also special recognition awards for Michael Murray, Thomas Ratcliffe and David Blane.