An Auchinleck man who made it to the final of the Scotrail in the Community Awards has beat 1,200 nominated volunteers to win the Outstanding Achievement Award.

Jordan Whiteford was recognised for his volunteering efforts at New Cumnock and Auchinleck stations as well as The Knowe Garden Centre.

The 35-year-old celebrated his win alongside ACDI and Knowe staff at a socially distanced gathering in the Boswell Centre on Thursday, November 26.

Jordan, who has learning difficulties and suffers from cerebral palsy, says his life has changed significantly since he started volunteering last year – but that the accolade “still hasn’t sunk in”.

He said: “I wasn’t expecting it so it’ll take a while to sink in. The staff were greeting. I got a certificate but I’ve still a trophy to get, I just haven’t received it yet. When I do, it’ll be pride of place.

“I was getting notifications all night with people congratulating me. I was trying to watch the football but my phone was pinging all night.”

Jordan excels at remembering which tools are best for each job, often setting them up for the day ahead.

He has become more sociable, his mental health has improved dramatically and he has benefited from being among other young people his age.

Jordan continued: “Because of my learning difficulties and cerebral palsy, it’s hard to get employment, so volunteering was the only route I could go down.

“I’d like to thank Debbie O’Driscoll and the Knowe team for giving me a chance.”

Tracy Stevenson, Scotrail Community Development Officer, added: “Jordan is a very humble man. He’s very appreciative and the guys and gals that work with him have obviously contributed to his success, too.

“It brought a tear to everyone’s eye because his story was unique.”