Delivery boys and girls who go the extra mile by delivering papers, come rain or shine, will be recognised for the second year running at The Home Delivery Awards.
Once again, the event is being sponsored by Belmont Filmhouse, and we are calling on you to put forward your unsung heroes.
Perhaps it’s the case your delivery girl always has a smile or quite simply provides a reliable service – whatever the reason for the nomination, we want to recognise the dozens of teens who help us get the paper out on time.
Based on the response last year, there are plenty of youngsters who quietly go about their job but make a real difference in the community.
For Jack Bryce of Inverallochy, dedication to his customers saw him awarded the most votes in Aberdeenshire.
Now 17, Jack’s customers have seen him change from a school boy to a young man who is now ready for university.
He is urging youngsters to get involved with the awards, having been pleasantly surprised to scoop the title.
He said: “It was a brilliant event and a brilliant idea in general and, at the time, I couldn’t believe I won.
“I didn’t think I’d even come in the top three, so to be the most voted was amazing.”
But what is Jack’s secret to delivering papers all year round, alongside juggling school work and enjoying time with friends?
He added: “I didn’t think I’d be delivering papers for five years but it’s my customers who have truly made the experience.
“It’s a close-knit community and I like to know my customers.
“It’s not just about pushing the paper through the door, but knowing all the little details. I always remembered things about each customer and their families, and I get along with everyone.
“That can make a big difference when you are out and about because you become part of people’s day.
“The awards is pretty exciting and I’ve proudly put the title on my CV.”
Last year’s winners hailed from Thurso to Aberdeen with more than 1,300 votes cast across four categories.
They were treated to a glitz and glamour ceremony at The Belmont Filmhouse, and cinema manager Colin Farquhar is hoping this year’s event will be even better.
He said: “Organisation is already underway to make sure both the winners and runners up have a brilliant night, although the plans are top secret at the moment.
“It will be a wonderful experience and we can’t wait to give well-deserved recognition to those who deliver a brilliant service all year round.”
Delivering newspapers isn’t limited to teenagers however, as was shown by father and son team, Alistair and Craig Cameron.
The former has been delivering newspapers for almost a decade and won most dedicated delivery man last year.
Along with the help of the Inverness delivery team, the duo make sure that 1000 papers get delivered on time every day.
Alistair said: “Craig gets up around 6.30am, I am very proud of him and the awards is a brilliant event.
“He’s now at university having started his round when he was 13-years-old.”
There will also be some exciting new changes to the awards this year, and Neil Mackland who is head of circulation can’t wait for the entries to come flooding in.
He explained: “We are delighted to host the second Home Delivery Awards. Last year’s event proved to be a huge success with some fantastic stories of dedication and kindness displayed by our boys and girls towards their customers.
“We are sure this year’s event will build on last year’s success and our aim is to make the day even bigger and better with some new categories which will give our readers the chance to shout about their newsboys and girls.”
Nominations should be put forward no later then April 8 and can be made by filling in the voting form.
