PEOPLE who have gone above and beyond for the Benarty community have been recognised by Benarty Community Council. 

Their outstanding service to the villages of Ballingry, Lochore, Crosshill and Glencraig was acknowledged at the Benarty Citizen of the Year Awards at a ceremony in Benarty Centre on Thursday, March 21. 

Distinguished Service to the Community Certificates were awarded to: Logan Adsley, the Staff of Starks Butchers; Lucas Hunter; and the Staff of the Pantry@BRAG.

A new award - the Gordon Mackie Award which has been named after the local legend who sadly passed away last September, to recognise outstanding work for the Benarty Community for people who don't live in Benarty. 

This award went to Shona Mackenzie, of Lochgelly, for her years of support in putting on events in Benarty.

The Group Citizens of the Year Award went to the Benarty Events Group which is responsible for all the big events in Benarty such as the Gala, Pipe Band and Highland Dancing Competitions, Rockore, annual Christmas Events and the weekly Companions' Club.

The Young Citizen of the Year Award was presented to Keevah Young for her outstanding contribution to the Community in fundraising and helping others out.

And the Ann McCallum Citizen of the Year Award was presented to Wullie Stark, the recently retired, local butcher, for going above and beyond, quietly helping out others in need and for his generous donations to several groups and individuals in the Community.

Ann McCallum, along with her close friend Betty Martin, campaigned during the 1980s to ban the sale of chewing tobacco from local shops, eventually taking the fight to the Houses of Parliament and succeeding in having the products banned from sale in the UK.

At that time, these tobacco products were being bought by children, causing serious mouth ulcers and cancers.

The efforts of Ann and Betty are remembered every year in Benarty when the prizes are awarded to ensure their legacy lives on.

For more information on the Benarty Community Council and the work they do in the community, follow them on Facebook.