Denny & District Community Council recognise their local heroes

Earlier this month, Denny and District Community Council held a special event to recognise their efforts in a bid to highlight all that is being done in their area.

Spokesperson Sharon Shaw explained: “We are all coming together to help create positivity, highlight achievements and good work within our community, inspire and help make a difference.

"We have been focussing on supporting our community groups and reaching out to our schools to help highlight the amazing work the students have been involved in."

A Local Hero Award was presented to Richard Hadlow who carries out litter picks and looks after the garden spaces around the town.

The accolade was handed over by Miss Stirlingshire Romany Shaw, who hails from Denny, and has qualified for the Miss Teen Great Britain pageant which takes place in Blackpool later this year.

The 17-year-old has also been involved with fundrasing for Together for Short Lives and Equine Outreach, along with volunteering for Maggies and Strathcarron Hospice. She also is involved in raising awareness for mental health.

She also handed over two microgrants of £500: one to the Baptist Church Feeding Families Appeal and the other to The Pines Chip Shop who are raising funds to put in a defibrillator.

Pupils from Denny High School attended the event to give everyone details of all their fundraising efforts which includes raising much-needed cash for Forth Valley Sensory Centre, Forth Valley First Responders and Macmillan Cancer, as well as donating to the food bank and toy appeals.

Romany will also be attending Denny Gala on Saturday, May 25 to open the event. The organising group have already lined up local acts, including former Voice winner Stevie McCrorie.

The first Inspirational Youth Award will also be handed over on the day. Every school in the Denny area is being invited to put forward one pupil who has helped made a difference.

Sharon added: “This could be volunteering, fundraising or helping out with family or other youths. A trophy will be presented which can be displayed in the school and the winner will also get a trophy and a voucher thanks to local businesses which are sponsoring the award.”