Community members and groups from throughout Nithsdale were rewarded and recognised for their achievements at this year’s Nithsdale Community Achievement Awards, held in DG One Leisure Complex.

The Nithsdale Community Achievement Awards 2014 recognises and celebrates the work and success of community groups and individuals  as well as highlighting the work that is going on to change the lives of people in this area. Volunteers in Nithsdale have a huge economic impact and it is vital that they are recognised for this.

This year there were a host of local adult learning and youth work awards presented, and 16 winners in the main awards ceremony.

1. Adult Learner of the Year – Kirsty Illana Knight
2. Young Person of the Year – Anthony Caven
3. School and Learning Award – Maxwelltown High School Band
4. Adult Volunteer of the Year – Katrina Geddes
5. Young Volunteer of the Year – Haylie Crosbie
6. Community Group of the Year – Village Pride Furniture Project
7. Local Partnership Award – Kirkconnel and Kelloholm Community Futures Project
8. Youth or Community Group Award – 2nd Company of the Dumfries Boys Brigade
9. Health and Wellbeing Award – Nithsdale Walking Works Network
10. Cultural Diversity Award – Dumfries Tattoo
11. Innovative Practice Award – Fitness Intervention Task Force
12. Community Event of the Year – Big Burns Supper
13. Long Term Commitment Award – James Pirrie
14. Community Resilience Award – Town of Kirkconnel
15. Active Citizenship Award – Dumfries North West Church – Free Meals Project
16. Outstanding Achievement Award – Dumfries North West Church – Free Meals Project

The evening was hosted by Chris Carruthers and was organised by Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Community Learning and Development Service Nithsdale.

Provost Ted Thompson said, “ This event is one from which I take the most personal satisfaction because it recognises the previously unsung heroes in our communities who give freely of their time in improving the opportunities for others. It also highlights the importance and value of the work done by our Community Learning and Development staff in facilitating this work and making our society a better place to live in.”