Two hard-working youngsters have received awards for their loyalty and commitment to the community.

Evan McBlain and Harry Burns were presented with their Eric Caldow awards by Cumnock Community Council and local East Ayrshire councillor Jim McMahon.

The awards are named after the former Rangers defender and Scotland captain, who was a local man.

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Cumnock Juniors Community Enterprise (CJCE) announced that Evan was awarded the Eric Caldow Achievement Cup, while Harry won the Eric Caldow Challenge Cup.

A CJCE spokesperon said: "Evan started playing football with Cumnock Juniors Youth Football Club in 2011 when he was six years old. Now, 12 years later at the age of 18, he is still at the club playing with the Under 20’s Development Team.

"He hopes to continue on the club pathway in the next few years, which offers a step up into Cumnock Amateurs or with Cumnock Juniors FC.

"Evan also volunteers with some of the younger youth teams by helping out at coaching sessions. He is a popular young coach with the children.

"The standards, values and characteristics that the great Eric Caldow showed in his career are well-known. Evan was delighted when told that his own loyalty and commitment over the last 12 years had merited receiving an award in Eric Caldow's name."

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They added: "Harry has been a part of the Cumnock Juniors Community Enterprise Leadership Academy since May 2022.

"The programme provides opportunities for young people to train, develop and enhance their leadership skills whilst gaining coaching experience volunteering in school and community programmes.

"Harry has completed just under 300 hours of volunteering. He coaches weekly in mini-kickers Football sessions and also in school holiday football camps.

"He has completed a number of courses such as planning an effective physical activity session, disability in sport training, mental health awareness and type 1 diabetes awareness.

"He has shown enthusiasm and willingness to learn, he is respectful, polite and courteous.

"He has shown a positive attitude and is a positive role model to young people in the school and community."