Awards ceremony honours city’s extraordinary people

The third annual Evening Telegraph Community Spirit Awards were held at the Apex Hotel on Friday night, and almost 300 award finalists, their friends and families and a number of special guests celebrated some of the finest Taysiders around.

As these pages show, there are a staggering number of amazing people who do incredible things living right on our doorstep.

Whether in the public eye or not, and whether their acts are big or small, the Community Spirit Awards recognise any and all people who go the extra mile to help folk in their area.

From quick-thinking life-savers who kept cool under the toughest of pressures to community fundraisers doing their bit for the people in their area, we recognised them all.

Speaking as he opened the awards, Tele editor Steven Bell said: “Tonight is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the special people who go above and beyond the call of duty in communities across Dundee, Angus and the surrounding areas.

“You are an inspiration to others and it is fitting that we, along with our awards partners, recognise your achievements.”

Guests turned out in their hundreds to celebrate Tayside’s finest.

Alison Henderson, chief executive of the Dundee and Angus Chamber of Commerce, said: “I think these awards are wonderful.

“It’s great to see the Evening Telegraph support something like this.”

Among the guests at the ceremony were sponsors and supporters, who lavished praise upon the incredible line-up of finalists.

Event sponsor Angus Council Fostering and Adoption recognised the nominees’ “extraordinary” achievements on the night.

Area manager Eunice McLennan said: “We are delighted to support an event that celebrates the achievements of ordinary people who achieve extraordinary things by going the extra mile.”

The Community Spirit of the Year Award was supported by Dundee’s own Wellgate Centre. Peter Aitken, centre manager, said: “It gave us great pleasure to have the opportunity of recognising the hard work, dedication and hours given by people to help and support the many needs and causes across the community.”

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service group manager Craig Thomson said the service was “delighted” to support the Health and Wellbeing Award, adding: “All of the award categories highlight the work undertaken in our local communities that contributes to making them safer.”

Wave 102 sponsored the Innovative Educationalist Award.

Paul Brownlee, programme controller, said: “The shortlisted finalists were all worthy of winning and we want to say well done to them all — but in particular to this year’s award winner David Evans.”

Congratulations to all of our winners and finalists — read on to learn more about each of their inspiring achievements!

IT’S the night of the year when the Tele recognises the bravest, most selfless, most inspirational local heroes from in and around Dundee.

Tele editor Steven Bell opening the awards ceremony at the city’s Apex Hotel.