A WEE COUNTY woman is reflecting on an incredible life of voluntary work as she was named Clackmannanshire Community Champion of the Year.

Dorothy Anderson, from Alloa, picked up the accolade at the annual Volunteers’ Week awards night, held each year by the Clackmannanshire Third Sector Interface (CTSI).

This award was the last to be handed out and was presented by Sheila Bulloch for a lifetime of service to various charities and good causes.

Dorothy, 81, has lived in Alloa her whole life and began devoting her free time to charity since the age of 13.

Speaking to the Advertiser, she shared her delight at picking up the award, looking back on the “amazing life” she’s lived.

“I was thrilled to win that one,” she said. “I’ve won ones for various different things but to win that one, especially in Alloa where I was born, it was quite special.

“I grew up here and I’ve lived here all my life so it was that extra bit more special. I’ve worked with around 18 charities and I’m still going.

“It’s an amazing life I’ve had and I’m really touched by it all.”

Dorothy is still hard at work giving up her time to work for various charities and currently volunteers with Re-engage.

Re-engage aims to reduce social isolation among older people by treating them to various lunches and social events.

Dorothy has devoted one day a month for nearly 30 years to organising these events for Re-engage.

She also helps out on a telephone line to hold conversations with the elderly, also to reduce social isolation.

She initially started by wishing to be a missionary, but instead decided to focus on charity work in Clacks.

She continued: “I wanted to be a missionary when I was younger and then I started working in a nursery which I loved.

“I was a florist and I decided I’d rather do that and gave my time to charities and it’s been action packed ever since I was young.

“I’ve worked here all my life at the nursery after being born and bred in Alloa.”

The Community Champion Award has replaced the Citizen of the Year award, which CTSI took charge of last year.

This formed one of several awards handed out to individuals and voluntary groups across the Wee County, with a whole host of good causes celebrated.

Dorothy added: “It’s nice to receive this award in Clackmannanshire and this is the top award I’ve ever got and it was really special to win it.”