A RETIRED vet has been crowned Cumnock’s citizen of the year 2018 after spending all his free time volunteering to make the community a better place.

John Senior, 67, usually likes to work behind the scenes but has now been thrown into the spotlight after being awarded the title by the Keir McTurk Memorial Committee.

The pensioner worked as an animal surgeon in the town before retiring recently and now spends most of his time volunteering on community councils.

He touches all parts of the area from helping locals with money struggles at the credit union to planting flower beds in Cumnock to make the town beautiful.

He moved from Edinburgh with his wife who was from Northern Ireland almost 40 years ago after agreeing the area was the perfect middle ground between them.

Since swapping Scotland’s capital for Cumnock in 1977 John has spent his time in the town trying to improve it.

He is a very active member of the Cumnock Action Plan, the Cumnock Gardening Club, helped with Christmas festivals, and was heavily involved in the Poppy Display marking the Centenary of the end of the 1st World War.

John also works as a Board Member of the Credit Union, Glaisnock Tryst, and Cumnock Tryst as well as helping out with the Cumnock Business Association.

John takes part in so many different committees to make sure locals can enjoy their community.

He said: “I came to Cumnock in 1977 to be with my wife. I have planted a lot of flower beds around the area to make it look nice and for everyone to enjoy.

“I want to do the best for the community that gave me a living for the past 40 years, its the least I can do.

“I was very surprised to be picked. I don’t normally like to be front in centre so it was a big shock but very appreciated.

“It is a tremendous honor and im very chuffed with it.”