Gourockian has been honoured as a 'role model' in his home town

Councillor Ronnie Ahlfeld was delighted as he was presented with the 'unsung hero' Betty Maither MBE Award.

Gourock Garden Party, when trophies are usually handed out, was cancelled this year due to Covid-19, so organiser Jim Hunter handed over the rose bowl and quaich at Cardwell Garden Centre.

Jim told the Telegraph: "The award is traditionally not awarded to councillors but was given to Ronnie for being an excellent role model and for being an exceptional man in the community.

"He was a schoolboy signing to West Ham FC and he used that experience to found Gourock YAC, some fifty years ago.

"He has contributed a great deal to Gourock.

"I would say he was a great example model for any young person growing up.

"He was also awarded the British Empire Medal."

"This award has now been presented in recognition of what he has done for the young people in this area."

Jim added that Ronnie has continued to carry out his duties despite serious health issues.

He said: "He truly is an unsung hero."

Ronnie receives the the rose bowl for the year and a personal quaich and said he was 'very surprised'.

He added: "It was nice to be awarded something that so many good people had been previously.

"A long time ago I was awarded the BEM for services to the youth community of Scotland.

"I have always believed that we should to everything to help young people fulfil their potential.

"It is vitally important, every young person has got a part to play.

"The hard part for politicians is to find them a niche where they will prosper."

Meanwhile local animal rescue Underheugh Ark was also recognised, collecting the Elspeth Riddell Community Award for its work.

Jim said: "We had lots of nominations this year and Underheugh Ark were chosen because of the work they do, saving animals from horses to mice."

Volunteer Calum Robb and his son Sam accepted the award on behalf of the group in front of the organisation's charity shop.

Jim said: "Calum spends all of his spare time looking after the animals at the farm."