Volunteers at Netherthird in Cumnock were congratulated for their efforts at an awards ceremony in June 2017.

They were presented with Volunteers Week certificates by MSP Jeane Freeman, who also made a voluntary contribution to the day.

She planted a rose tree in the community garden and served refreshments to people at the event, which recognised the three organisations which have helped improve the area.

Netherthird Initiative for Community Empowerment (NICE), Netherthird Community Garden and Four Connections played a major part in various projects which had operated.

Margaret Campbell, chairwoman of NICE, said: “The residents wanted to develop great community assets and the volunteers made that happen. There was a huge amount of anti-social behaviour in the area.

“And these three voluntary organisations have helped considerably. Volunteers turned the old library into a youth and preschool centre, and we developed a community garden which is enjoyed by young and old alike.”

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