At an emotional ceremony at the Airth Castle Hotel, last Thursday, 11 special people were presented with prizes at the Central FM Local Hero Awards for 2009.

Spanning 10 categories, the event, which featured The Falkirk Herald as a media sponsor, recognised those who have gone the 'extra mile' within their community.

Jackie Reid (40), deputy head at Easter Carmuirs Primary, received the Best Boss of 2009 accolade. Staff had nominated her for the way she led the school following the sudden death of the head teacher Linda Leadbetter in November.

She said : "I had no expectation that I was going to win and seeing the calibre of the other nominees, it was a real honour to be there.

"All the other winners were really inspiring. I was amazed by the stories and every nomination seemed so worthy that it must have been really difficult to make a decision on who would get the prize.

"I was absolutely shocked when I heard my name read out. I spent the time worrying about having to go and make a speech.

"But it was really overwhelming to get an award and it really goes out to the whole staff and the way everyone pulled together since our head teacher sadly passed away."

Tommy Mann (56), who recently retired from Central Scotland Fire and Rescue, was recognised for his tireless work with young people in the community over 30 years.

"I felt very humbled and privileged to be in the company of people who had done so many extraordinary things. It was a great honour

"When I heard my name it was very surprising. It was an overwhelming feeling to be recognised – I really didn't expect anything.

"The whole event was fantastic. It was a wonderful experience and it's something I will never forget."

The overall winner on the night was David Galloway who scooped the Ultimate Local Hero Award.

His life was changed when he was involved in a fatal car crash, which left him brain damaged, confined to a wheelchair and requiring 24-hour care for the rest of his life.

Over the last two years he has spoken to more than 8000 young people in the Forth Valley through a computerised voice box, telling them his story and how to prevent it happening to them

In between the presentations, guests were entertained from music by Craig Jeffrey and the MacDonald Brothers.

Former Central FM station boss Tom Bell, who has recently returned to work with the station, received a lifetime achievement award from his colleagues.

Ann Marie Miller, station manager at Central FM, said: "It was a great night, the entertainment was fantastic, and the turnout was fantastic.

"There were so many worthy people out there that it made it a very hard
choice for the judges, but all the awardees were deserving winners.

"Now we are already looking forward to the 2010 awards!"