BORDERS MP John Lamont has announced the winners of his Volunteer of the Year awards, which he held to pay tribute to the “unsung heroes” who play such a vital role in local communities.

The competition received dozens of nominations for inspirational people who volunteer all over the Scottish Borders.

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The winners, who received a plaque to recognise their contribution to local services, were as follows:

Border Telegraph: Madge Thomson from Hawick, who helps survivors of abuse for Borders Women’s Aid and Graham Easton from Selkirk, who was an essential leader in the Selkirk Response Team during the pandemic.Madge Thomson from Hawick, who helps survivors of abuse for Borders Women’s Aid and Graham Easton from Selkirk, who was an essential leader in the Selkirk Response Team during the pandemic.

Madge Thomson from Hawick, who helps survivors of abuse for Borders Women’s Aid.

Megan Bilsland from Galashiels, who does inspirational work with Downs Syndrome Scotland and Interest Link Borders, a charity helping people with learning disabilities.

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Alan Foster from Greenlaw, who volunteers for the local football club, darts team, bowling club and for Greenlaw Festival Week.

Audrey Triebel from Kelso, who saved Little Explorers nursery from closure and continues to help entertain the children who attend.

Border Telegraph: Audrey Triebel from Kelso, who saved Little Explorers nursery from closure and continues to help entertain the children who attend and Alan Foster from Greenlaw, who volunteers for the local football club, darts team, bowling club and for GreenlawAudrey Triebel from Kelso, who saved Little Explorers nursery from closure and continues to help entertain the children who attend and Alan Foster from Greenlaw, who volunteers for the local football club, darts team, bowling club and for Greenlaw

Graham Easton from Selkirk, who was an essential leader in the Selkirk Response Team during the pandemic, founded Cycling Without Age, and has been an unpaid volunteer over the years for the community council, Stable Life, the Selkirk Ex-Soldiers Association, the Royal British Legion, and Selkirk Rotary Club, where he was also president for a year.

Mr Lamont decided to hold the awards to mark the Festival of Volunteering that happened during the weekend of the Coronation of King Charles III.

He said: “I am delighted to recognise just some of the wonderful volunteers in the Scottish Borders who selflessly go above and beyond for our communities.

“The dedication, hard work and commitment from volunteers is incredible. Their efforts keep many local services running and they provide amazing levels of support to make other people’s lives a little better.

“I want to thank everyone who nominated someone and congratulate the worthy winners. Each one of them is an inspiration and they deserve our utmost thanks and gratitude.”