Glitz and glamour came to the Rothes Halls in Glenrothes on Friday night as the inspirational work and contributions that individuals, schools and voluntary organisations have made to the Fife community were recognised at the sixth annual Kingdom FM Local Hero Awards.
About 300 guests attended the ceremony, which celebrated the “best of the Kingdom of Fife” and was hosted by Kingdom FM DJs Ian Gilmour, Vanessa Motion, Darren Stenhouse and Barry Snedden.
Some 3,000 entries were whittled down to winners in 15 categories.
The winner of the carer award, sponsored by Delmor Estate Agents, was George Chalmers.
George has lived with his parents for 38 years and has had to cook, clean and care for his mum and dad.
His dad suffers from Alzheimer’s disease and has to spend long periods in hospital. George spends his time visiting his dad, while also caring for his elderly mother at home.
The winners of the best community group or initiative award, sponsored by The Courier, were Kirsty Yeoman and Kelly Owens.
Kelly and Kirsty work with young people in Lochgelly and Kirkland High School’s inclusion units.
Their aim is to ensure pupils remain in school and avoid being excluded.
Since spring 2012, exclusion rates in Lochgelly have dropped by 56% and 75% at Kirkland. Kirsty has recently spent time with pupils to highlight the dangers of drugs, alcohol and knife carrying.
The winner of the sportsperson of the year award, sponsored by Police Scotland and announced by Superintendent David McCulloch, was Chloe Dickson.
The 17-year-old fencing champion had an outstanding 2012, winning a bronze medal in the Junior Commonwealth Championships in Jersey.
She also claimed a bronze in the under-18 women’s youth foil championships in Sheffield and gold at the Sainsbury’s School Games, held in the Olympic village in London.
The young athlete is currently in the fencing top 10 for British Seniors.
The winner of the child of achievement award, sponsored by Kartstart Indoor Raceways, was Connor Laing.
Connor was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in November 2011. Despite missing a large part of his first year at Glenrothes High School, Connor has now moved into second year.
The winner of the parent/foster parent of the year category, sponsored by Taxi Central, was Wendy Cheetham.
Ivan is at the centre of Wendy’s life. Ivan’s brain failed to come together in the womb, which means he needs constant care.
Now 14 years old, he attends a special-needs school.
Wendy spends her time caring for her son, running a home and fundraising.
The winner of the teacher of the year award, sponsored by St Andrews University, was Ray Fernie.
He is the principal teacher of design, engineering and technology with employability at Lochgelly High School.
Over the last year, Mr Fernie has been instrumental in placing Lochgelly High’s students at the forefront of its employability initiative.
The award for best visitor attraction, sponsored by the Federation of Small Businesses and presented by Janet Torley, was the RAF Leuchars Airshow.
Thousands of people are preparing to turn out for the 2013 Leuchars Airshow, to take place next Saturday.
This year’s event will include a special commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the Dambusters raid.
The volunteering award, sponsored by Forth Ports Ltd and presented by David Angel, went to Marie Cooper.
Marie lost her husband suddenly to a heart attack.
After his death, she wanted to find a way to cope but also give something back to a charity that can save lives.
She chose the British Heart Foundation. Marie has been a volunteer for the past 18 years.
Winner of the best school award, sponsored by Fife College, was Southwood Primary in Glenrothes.
The award for employee of the year, sponsored by Fife Auto Centre, went to nursery nurse Liz Nicol.
The keen and outgoing nursery nurse started her career in 1990 before progressing to become a play coordinator in the health service.
In her spare time, Liz is a well-known singer in and around Fife.
Over the years she has raised thousands of pounds for charity.
The winners of the fundraiser of the year award, sponsored by Close Brothers Asset Finance, were Thomas Bremner and Sandy Cunningham.
The avid football fans started taking part in marathons together, before progressing on to cycling.
Known as the Flying Fifers, they recently completed a 750-mile cycle from Fife to the Menin Gate in Belgium.
The duo raised more than £16,000 for Poppy Scotland.
The provost’s award, sponsored by Fife Council and presented by Fife Provost Jim Leishman, went to Harry Blyth.
Harry has worked tirelessly for years to raise the profile of East Fife FC among pupils in the Levenmouth area.
Away from the pitch, he is a non-executive director for NHS Fife, chairman of the community health programme and an ambassador for Maggie’s Fife.
The award for new business start-up, sponsored by Business Gateway, went to Loopy Lou’s.
Founder Lindsay Penman, 22, studied to gain the relevant beauty qualifications while holding down a part-time job at Asda and raising funds through her work for charity.
Lindsay initially rented a small office to launch Loopy Lou’s. However, she moved to new premises in Dalgety Bay and has recently celebrated its first anniversary.
The student of the year award, sponsored by Oceaneering Umbilical Solutions, went to Michelle Christie.
Michelle joined Adam Smith College on a Stepping Stones course three years ago.
Once her youngest child had started school, she wanted to put her spare time to good use.
Michelle’s confidence grew and she secured the relevant qualifications to gain a place at St Andrews University.
Michelle has also acted as a class rep and sat on the board of governors. One day, she hopes to run her own psychology practice.
The Mary Leishman Award, which celebrates arts and theatre and went to the Youth Music Theatre Scotland.
The event also acknowledged the “instrumental” support given by the event’s eight main sponsors: The Courier, Fife Chamber of Commerce, FMC Technologies, ON at Fife, Shell, the Purvis Group, Oceaneering Umbilical Solutions and Fife Group.com.