Dundee community champion Stella Carrington is to be honoured as a result of her decades of voluntary work.
The former Citizen of the Year is a passionate neighbourhood campaigner and regularly lobbies for improved facilities and standards of living for her neighbours in the Charleston area of Dundee.
The Charleston Tenants and Residents Association chairwoman organises the annual Charleston Fayre and this month won a long-running battle to improve safety measures on public walkways in the area.
Now, Ms Carrington is to awarded a British Empire Medal at a ceremony in Dundee’s City Square on Monday afternoon.
The volunteer will be awarded the medal by Dundee Lord Provost Bob Duncan.
Speaking ahead of receiving her award, Ms Carrington said: “I got the letter back in April, but I wasn’t allowed to tell anyone for about six weeks.
“I still don’t know who put my name forward, but it was a big shock to get the letter.
“Why me of all people? Someone obviously thought I was worth a mention though.
“It’s certainly a great honour.”
Though she is very much looking forward to picking up her award, Ms Carrington is keen to dedicate the award to all of the volunteers across Dundee.
The inspirational volunteer is also looking forward to attending an annual garden party in Buckingham Palace which all Empire Medal recipients are entitled to attend.
Ms Carrington said: “I accept the award on behalf of everyone on my committee.
“In my opinion, the Charleston Tenants and Residents Association and the old Dundee West group are two of the most hard-working committees in the city.
“We’ve done a lot of good things for the area.
“But it’s also for all of the volunteers in Dundee.
“They deserve a lot of recognition and they don’t always get it.”
Lord Provost Bob Duncan said: “It is an honour to be presenting Stella with her BEM.
“Stella, a former citizen of the year, is an inspiring individual and one who encourages, supports and motivates people to transform where they live.
“She has spent many years giving back to her local community without asking for anything in return.”
