A CAMPAIGNER who has provided support to a school pupil with Tourette’s has scooped the first ever Peter Norris Local Hero trophy at a new awards ceremony.

Named after the late Peebles stalwart Peter Norris in tribute to his work, the Local Hero award was won by Galashiels caretaker John Davidson at the inaugural Loving Our Volunteers awards.

Peebles Community council chairman Robin Tatler presented the award to John, who recently featured in a BBC documentary Tourettes: Teenage Tics which highlighted his efforts to help 12-year-old Borders schoolboy Rory Brown with his condition, and offer advice on how to try and control it.

He was one of the eight winners at Volunteer Centre Borders ceremony to celebrate the area’s hardworking volunteers. 

The event also also saw awards go to 14-year-old Hamish Swan, who is involved in numerous volunteer roles in Peebles, and Violet Livingstone, who has 23 years’ experience coaching badminton in Gordon.

Scottish Borders Council leader David Parker said: “The Loving our Volunteers Awards demonstrate the incredible voluntary effort that takes place throughout the Scottish Borders.

“Many of the volunteers showcased today do vital work on behalf of all of us and the event was a fantastic celebration of the massive contribution volunteers make to the daily lives of people across the Scottish Borders.

“There were touching stories, and positive stories but above all else a huge amount of commitment from so many.

“I was deeply honoured to be asked to say some words at the event and to see first-hand the outstanding work of volunteers in our region. A huge thanks must go to the Volunteer Centre in the Borders for all the work they have done to coordinate and showcase the awards and to highlight the voluntary effort and the work of individual volunteers.”

Funded by the Big Lottery’s Celebrate programme, the Loving Our Volunteers awards were held at Kelso’s Ednam House Hotel. 

Executive officer, Gordon Brown, said: “Communities across the Borders, from Eyemouth to Peebles, Ancrum to Greenlaw, would not be as healthy and vibrant without the network of volunteers in those areas.

“Loving Our Volunteers is a chance to acknowledge some of the outstanding efforts from just some of the thousands of volunteers in the Scottish Borders who everyday take part in activities which address such issues as social isolation, deprivation, inactivity and inequality and contribute to sporting and cultural pursuits.

“By celebrating volunteers, it will ensure volunteers feel valued, encourage more people in the area to volunteer and act as a reminder that volunteers are not a resource not to be taken for granted, but celebrated.”