An Arbroath lollipop lady in her 80s said she was “embarrassed” to have been recognised with a community accolade.
The organisers of the forthcoming Festival of Heroes event in Arbroath, which will feature the Red Arrows, have launched a campaign to honour local heroes.
Well-known lollipop lady Agnes Beattie have received one of the first awards, paying tribute to the 13 years she spent in the role at Keptie Pond.
The nominations mentioned the care she showed for the children on her patch and also the voluntary work she does with West Kirk to taking in bins for her neighbours.
She recently took retirement after suffering a stroke and was unable to continue working.
Agnes said: “I’m embarrassed to receive the award but thank you to those who nominated me. Thank you also to all those who sent there well wishes and cards whilst I was in hospital. I’m touched to have received this.”
She was presented with the award by Arbroath’s Festival of Heroes chairman Jamie Buchan.
He said that the organisers were looking to hear about people who go the extra mile or do something out of the ordinary for their family or community.
He said: “This doesn’t have to be a boy who runs in to a burning building to rescue the baby, the cat and the budgie kind of hero, it could be anyone for any reason – simply tell us why that person is a hero to you and they might just get that recognition they deserve.
“I’ve received many nominations for local hero awards since we went live a week ago but it seems that Agnes is a very popular lady who made her mark on many people whilst conducting her duties looking after the safety of the children.
“Agnes was shaking when I told her of her nominations and the people of Arbroath appreciating all that she did for them and their children. She is a very worthy recipient,” added Mr Buchan.
People can be nominated for the community hero award at www.arbroathsheroes.co.uk/nominate-a-hero.
Closing date for nominations is April 30. All nominees must have some connection to Arbroath or the surrounding area.
Festival of Heroes will take place on June 4 at Victoria Park in Arbroath from 10am and will be a celebration of the service given by those in the armed forces and emergency services.
As well as the display by the world famous RAF display team the Red Arrows, which will be the first in Arbroath for more than 10 years, there will be numerous displays and attractions at the free event.
