ONE hard-working woman who has given up their time and effort to help provide food for those struggling has been named The Gate Volunteer of the Year.

Elizabeth Hinchliff received the award for her work in The Gate’s charity shop, located on Mill Street, in particular for her work with the foodbank’s school uniform service.

She accepted the award and was handed her trophy from last year’s winner Pat Ogilvie.

Elizabeth spoke to the Advertiser to share that she was honoured to accept the award and hailed the work of her fellow volunteers.

“I am very pleased about it,” she said. “I really admire the work they do and I really appreciate being involved and contributing.

“I’m retired now so it gives me something extra to focus on.

“There’s so many good volunteers who give up their time to help The Gate.”

The Gate head up several community initiatives within Clackmannanshire – including their foodbank, free school uniform service and food parcel delivery scheme.

Elizabeth becomes the second recipient of the annual Volunteer of the Year, with Pat winning the inaugural award last year.

The school uniform service is open to kids from Clackmannanshire who attend school either in the Wee County or outwith.

Elizabeth continued: “It’s all about supporting local people and reusing where possible. It’s just one of the many projects The Gate do to help local people.

“The Charity Shop has a very nice front window, which also won the Alloa First shop window competition.”

The Gate is actively seeking new volunteers to help them carry out various projects. Anyone keen to help out is urged to contact The Gate on 01259 218766 or at volunteering@the-gate-charity.org.