Moray's Volunteer of the Year voting now open
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VOTING has opened for the Moray and Banffshire Heroes Awards.
Locals will be given the chance to decide their Volunteer of the Year in one of 12 categories.
People have until March 26 to cast their votes – at www.hnmedia.co.uk/morayheroes – before winners are revealed on Thursday, April 20, at Brodie Countryfare.
A special Hero of Heroes will also be announced on the night.
Four Moray locals are up for Volunteer of the Year which is being sponsored by Robertson.
The four nominated are Brandon Chourlaton for his work with Outfit Moray; Alan Thomson for his first aid work and Paul Hughes and Debbie Main who have been nominated together for their work with Elgin parkrun.
Brandon Chourlaton
Over 1000 hours of volunteering has got 16-year-old Brandon Chourlaton nominated for Volunteer of the Year.
Brandon volunteers with Outfit Moray which provides accessible, affordable outdoor learning and adventure.
Brandon said: "I wasn't expecting this nomination but it's a good surprise."
Alan Thomson
First aid expert Alan Thomson has dedicated much of his time to ensuring that volunteer first aiders in Moray maintain a high level of competence.
Alan said: "I'm a bit embarrassed and delighted to be nominated for this award. When I was a young parent I attended a first aid class and came away feeling like I didn't know any more than when I went so I was determined to change that."
Paul Hughes and Debbie Main
Paul Hughes and Debbie Main, directors of Elgin parkrun, routinely give up their Saturday mornings to help the area's novice and experienced runners get together to improve their physical and mental health.
Paul said that the pair were "surprised" to be nominated.
Paul said: "It's so rewarding to give the runners a high-five when they cross the finish line, some of them it's the first time they've ever run outside with other people."
He added: "We love to encourage people to get together and boost their emotional and physical wellbeing."
