An Ayrshire community stalwart has been hailed a ‘true inspiration’ after being honoured by a top award.
Frances Carson who runs Muirhead Tenants & Residents Association (MTRA) scooped a prize at the Tenant Participatory Advice Service (TPAS), National Good Practice Awards.
The Troon mum, now leader of the town’s community council, steered her group through the pandemic and provided a lifeline to residents in crisis.
Frances selflessly ran a food bank from her home and rallied volunteers of the MTRA to help tens of families unable to feed themselves.
Her incredible work was recognised as she scooped the ‘Alan Ferguson Award for Tenant/ Resident Champion’ at a glitzy ceremony at the Golden Jubilee in Clydebank last month.
The MTRA were also recognised coming runners up in the ‘Tenant Participation Champion Group’ category after becoming a positive force for change in their community.
A delighted Frances told Ayrshire Live: “I wasn’t expecting it at all. I was so pleased to hear our name called for the runner’s up prize.
“When I heard my name being called again I was completely stunned.
“It was just a great honour, it was an inspiring night just being there to find out all the wonderful things that groups like ours are doing up and down the country.
“We took a lot from it, if it works there then maybe it can work in Muirhead.”
Frances believes her group all are winners after their selfless work over the past two years.
She added: “We are just one tiny organisation that does great things in our community.
“We were up against groups in Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, to be so close is such a big achievement for us. We’re all incredibly proud of ourselves.”
South Ayrshire Council’s Tenants Participation team were also recognised at the awards.
The crew came runner-up in the ‘Best Practice in Involving All’ category.
Council staff were praised for their efforts to reach out to people struggling to access services.
Councillor Martin Kilbride, Buildings, Housing and Environment Portfolio Holder for South Ayrshire Council said: “Congratulations to Frances Carson for winning her award, it highlights all the selfless work she undertakes to help others.
“Well, done also to Muirhead Tenants and Residents Association, they have pulled their local community together and continue to change lives for the better.
“I’m delighted that our Tenant Participation team were also recognised, they are an inspiration, and I am sure they will keep up the good work.”
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