TWO dedicated Irvine women have been shortlisted for a prestigious national award.

Best pals Betty Weir and Jean Reader from Bourtreehill Age Concern have been nominated for the TSB Community Partnership honour at the Pride of Britain Awards to mark decades of tireless service.

But Jean believed the whole thing was a wind-up! 

The pair will next week head on an all expenses paid trip to Westminster for the star-studded bash - due to be broadcast on ITV on October 31.

For the past 40 years, the Age Concern has been a vital service for the elderly in the Bourtreehill and Broomlands areas of Irvine.

Around 200 pensioners, many of whom are disabled, benefit from the support provided at the lunch club as well as a mini-bus that picks up those unable to get to the centre in Lower Vennel.

A whole range of social activities including games, keep fit, a choir and even just a simple chat which Betty and Jean believe can go a long way to easing the pain of loneliness in the elderly.

Jean said: “It’s so nice to be nominated but I actually didn’t believe it.

“The chap phoned us and I asked ‘is this a wind-up?’ but he sent us an email to prove it was real! 

“Betty’s brother-in-law is always winding us up with phone calls so we weren’t convinced! 

“The fact we’ve made it so far is great. We do this out of the goodness of our heart, not for the recognition. They love coming in here and if we’re off they don’t know what to do without it. They need the company.

“Loneliness is a terrible thing, I came from a big family and I’m here myself now but I don’t feel lonely coming here and and being involved. We’ve had a few awards in the past but this is really nice to be recognised.”