An Aberdeen woman who went above and beyond to help her community has been honoured by the Queen.
Hazel McAllan has been the chairwoman of the Balnagask Community Centre in the Torry area since 1990.
And in 2015, emergency services turned to her for help as they battled a fire at the nearby Arnold Clark.
As the fire continued to spread in the early hours of December 22, police and fire crews began evacuating the surrounding homes.
Ms McAllan valiantly fought her way through the thick, billowing smoke on Girdleness Road to reach the community centre, which she opened as a shelter.
The 73-year-old even managed to get some food from Tesco for the 80 shaken residents.
Ms McAllan, who has now received a British Empire Medal (BEM) for her services to her local community, said: “It was a very scary experience.
“The police had called about 3am, and the moment I opened the door all I could see was smoke, I had to work my way down the street in darkness.
“I got food and then went to unlock the community centre’s doors – and we went from there.”
Throughout the years, Ms McAllan’s efforts to go “above and beyond” in her role in chairwoman has resulted in huge benefits for the Torry community.
When Eastern Europeans first appeared in the community she organised a Polish social evening to help welcome her new neighbours.
And when she feared loneliness was becoming an issue among elderly Torry residents, she organised weekly activity sessions at the community centre.
Ms McAllan said: “Receiving this award is a great honour.
“I’ve always enjoyed working with people, especially in Torry – it’s a great community and my aim has always simply been to make people smile.
“It’s people’s happiness and friendliness that truly makes Balnagask Community Centre.”
Ms McAllan still plays an active role in the centre and holds charity bingo events weekly, alongside children’s clubs, dancing sessions and Alzheimer’s support groups.
