UNSUNG heroes are working round the clock carrying out essential tasks on behalf of the community.

To recognise the excellence displayed every day, East Ayrshire Council hosted the Excellence Awards Ceremony to celebrate their contribution.

Council leader, Douglas Reid, had sought applications from members of the public for his Customer Service award and had the unenviable task of choosing a winner from almost 100 nominations.

He said: “The Council is here to serve the public and it is the public who are best placed to assess whether or not the service they receive meets their expectations “The calibre of nominations this year was extremely high. It meant a great deal to me that so many people had taken the time to provide feedback on the services we provide and to highlight the excellence our employees display every day.

“Nick Kelly, Stephen Baird and the Outdoor Services team were nominated by Margaret McLean who lost her son in tragic circumstances earlier this year.

“The team supported her whole family through their loss and also helped them to clear up The Mount at Knockinlaw in her son’s memory.”

Mrs McLean had written to Mr Reid making him aware that her grief was made more bearable by the care, kindness and compassion that both of these men showed.

He added: “Nick, Stephen and the team display excellence in the service they provide to our communities.”