AN Inverclyde Council worker who has helped to change the lives of people in recovery from alcohol addiction has been nominated for a top award.

Community worker Alan Deans has been shortlisted for this year's Scottish Qualification Authority (SQA) Star Awards.

Members of the Greenock Recovery Alcohol Support Project (GRASP) nominated Alan for his exceptional work supporting the charity.

Alan, 56, who work's for the local authority's Community Learning and Development team, says he is touched by the recognition.

He added: “I’ve worked very closely with the people at GRASP and helped them get charitable status and secure their funding.

"They are unique in Inverclyde in being a single service point for alcoholics.

"I’m delighted to be nominated by them. It’s always nice to be recognised for your work, especially by the community."

Thanks to Alan's work at Inverclyde’s SQA Centre, people with barriers to learning now have access to SQA qualifications in a range of subjects and levels.

Alan has achieved this by working in partnership with local organisations and his success has seen him shortlisted at the upcoming awards.

In addition, he supervised the rollout of a scheme which is helping people in Inverclyde gain skills in managing money.

Robert Whaley, treasurer of GRASP, said that if it wasn't for Alan then their group would simply not exist.

He said: "I can't put into words what Alan has done for us.

"Right from the start, he has helped us grow this group and has worked so hard to get us funding, which has helped us ensure that things are done right.

"We can't thank him enough for all his efforts and we are delighted that is being recognised at these awards."

Through his work with the group, Alan has helped members to gain qualifications.

Tommy Docherty, the chairman of the charity, added: "We wouldn't be here if it wasn't for Alan.

"We didn't have a clue when the group first started and Alan came in and gave up his own time to help."

Alan has been invited to join the other finalists for a spectacular ceremony at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow on Friday 15 November.

The GRASP group meets at Auchmountain Resource Centre every Tuesday and Friday from noon to 3pm.

For more information phone 07766 692045.