DUNFERMLINE man Bobby Thornton was delighted – as well as a little shocked – when he picked up the Heart of Gold award at last year's Dunfermline Press Community Champions awards.

The former bingo hall manager worked with the Children's Panel for 25 years and then stepped in to help at the Abbeyview Baby and Toddler group where he continues to run the weekly session.

On the night of his success, he had told the Press that he was "humbled" to receive the accolade.

Last week, the Press launched the 2020 Community Champions Awards and, reflecting on his success, Bobby said he was pleased to get publicity for a group which is providing a vital meeting place for parents and their children in the Abbeyview area.

"It was quite a surprise for me to actually win it because of the people I was up against – I thought I had no chance," he recalled. "It has been good since. It got us a good bit of publicity.

"The one side I would have liked was to get more people from Abbeyview coming to the toddler group. We are doing this for the people of Abbeyview. It's on every Friday from 9.30am until 11.30am.

"This week, we had 24 youngsters in but it would be lovely to welcome more from the local area. Come this June, we will have been going six years. It was my daughter and her pal who started it for the first few years and I stepped in to help.

"A lot of people don't know we are here."

Know someone like Bobby? Nominating people for the 2020 Press Communtiy Champions Awards couldn't be easier. Once you have decided on your category or categories, just fill in our nomination form, giving us an idea of why your nominee deserves to win.

Visit http://newsquestscotlandevents.com/events/dunfcommchamp/

If you have any questions regarding the nomination process or require the form in a different format, contact Kirsty Loughlin on 0141 302616 or email: kirsty.loughlin@localiq.co.uk

This year's categories:

Entrepreneurial Award

Celebrates a person or a business that has demonstrated a special entrepreneurial flair, and has used this passion to

help grow their local community.

Champion Teacher of the Year

Everyone remembers their favourite teacher. This award recognises teachers who are bringing learning to life by engaging and inspiring all children and young people to fulfil their potential.

Community Champion of the Year

Rewarding a local individual, 18 years and upwards, who goes out of their way to help those around them. Someone

whose actions are a force for good in the community and who we all benefit from making our community a better

place.

Heart of Gold

Sponsored by Amazon

This award goes to someone who has made a contribution of outstanding significance to Dunfermline and West Fife.

We will be recognising an adult whose actions, achievements, courage or bravery has touched the lives of others

and made a difference. Someone special who truly has a heart of gold.

Charity Champion of the Year

When it comes to charity, Dunfermline and West Fife is as big-hearted as you can get. This award is for an individual

or a group who have dedicated their energy into making a real difference.

Sporting Champion of the Year

For a local individual, team or club that is making an impact in local sport, either on the pitch or off it. Who is the

beating heart of local sport?

Young Enterprise Champion

Sponsored by TechnipFMC

Recognises young people who have succeeded in starting a business, creating benefits for themselves and for their

communities. This award celebrates the work accomplished by a young person or group demonstrating good business skills.

Youth Community Champion

Sponsored by Fife Council

We are looking for a group of young people or an individual up to the age of 17 who makes a significant contribution

to their local community. They may have fundraised, campaigned on issues which are important to young people or

helped others less fortunate. We know kids sometimes get a bad reputation. Tell us now about the kids whose heart is

in the right place.

Little Champion of the Year

Sponsored by Canvas Holidays

To recognise an outstanding child aged 17 or under whose achievements, courage or bravery make your heart burst

with pride.

Live Music Award

This award will go to a local singer, band or group who put their heart and soul into every performance, whose talent

makes us all extremely proud. Our finalists will have the opportunity to perform live at the awards gala.