THE story of Crossgates-based Acorn Aid was heard at Cowdenbeath Rotary Club as the organisation reflected on their work down the years.

Created by local couple Brian and June Miller, the duo have a small and enthusiastic team that ensure if people need help, they receive it.

For them, it all started in 2007.

Brian explained: “It was the terrible problems being faced by the people of Bosnia, through the conflict way back then, that saw us want to do something to help.

“Through the International Fire and Rescue Association I was lucky enough to drive a fire engine to Bosnia and what we found there was really unbelievable.

"Due to the war, people were being forced to live in the most difficult of conditions, with booby traps in their gardens!"

The duo started organising regular visits to Bosnia to take out a variety of items to help people feel safer, but the Acorn team grew in size and was also helping people in Malawi.

Then as time went by the team were also involved in helping local communities, and as part of that they organised five defibrillators to be available in public places in Crossgates.

Acorn Aid, last Christmas, distributed meal boxes to people in the village, who might not have had a festive dinner, and also last year delivered 35 tonnes of clothes to the Afghan Refuge Appeal.

“The community backing for the various things Acorn Aid have tackled has been amazing and we are always so grateful for the magnificent support they give,” said June.

“We have also received tremendous backing from the staff at the Morrison’s store, in Cowdenbeath, for many of our activities and the recent Ukraine appeal saw four tonnes of toiletries realised to be sent out there.”

Acord Aid have also been nominated for Kingdom FM’s Local Hero Awards, in the Charity Champion category, on August 26.

Brian said: “It was a surprise to learn that Acorn Aid had been nominated for the Kingdom FM awards and to make the final three in the Charity Champion category has been amazing.

“It really is a tribute to our team and the community who support us."