Delivery boys and girls from across the north and north-east are to have their efforts recognised in The Press and Journal’s first ever Home Delivery Awards.
Sponsored by The Belmont Filmhouse, the Home Delivery Awards give our readers the chance to show their appreciation to the hard workers who deliver their paper six days a week without fail.
If your newsboy or newsgirl always goes the extra mile, or simply provides a reliable service – this is your chance to say thank you.
We want you to nominate your delivery person across four categories: most voted male, most voted female, above and beyond and most dedicated.
Every category will have three finalists in the running for the top prize alongside two highly commended runners-up.
The final nominees from every category will be invited to a glamorous award ceremony at The Belmont Filmhouse in Aberdeen on Sunday, April 17 where they will be recognised for their efforts.
Dallas King, marketing and events manager at The Belmont Filmhouse, said: “We have a long history of working with Aberdeen Journals, promoting events, and we are delighted to be sponsoring the Home Delivery Awards and hosting the ceremony in April.
“Using a cinema as a venue for the awards ceremony will add an extra bit of glitz and glamour and it will give it that Oscars feel.”
Damian Bates, editor-in-chief of Aberdeen Journals Ltd, said: “Every morning 100s of young deliverers get up and take The P&J to our readers before going to school, no matter what the weather.
“We’d struggle without them and these awards are a fantastic way of honouring the hard work of our unsung heroes.
“I would encourage everyone to vote for their deliverer and give them the recognition they well and truly deserve.”
Head of Circulation at Aberdeen Journals Ltd Neil Mackland echoed Mr Bates’ comments.
He said: “It is a huge commitment whether they are delivering early morning or late afternoon with school work, sports and socialising with friends to balance.
“I often look at the weather outside and, despite the thousands of copies they deliver every day, we rarely have reports of missed copies.
“I am always delighted to be asked for a reference from colleges, universities and employers as they can see that our youngsters have a fantastic work ethic which will stand them in good stead going forward.
“Please make sure your newsboy or girl gets your vote so they can see how much their efforts are appreciated by their loyal customers”
Jamie Mackintosh, 16, of Balloch, Inverness has been doing his paper round for four years.
He said: “My deliveries keep me fit as I need to do plenty of walking on the golf course.
“The skills this job have taught me are to get up early and have good time-keeping skills, this will help me later in life.
“I save my wages to help pay for my golf equipment.”
Debbie Roberts, 44, a delivery agent in Bridge of Don in Aberdeen, agreed that the initiative was a great idea.
She said: “The kids have to go out in all weather conditions six days a week, so I always feel for them in the winter months as customers get their papers no matter what.
“I think the awards are a good idea to give recognition to the kids who go above and beyond to deliver papers especially to elderly people who look forward to the paper coming through the door every day.”
To nominate you deliverer, simply fill out the nomination form provided. The form will appear in the paper daily and the deadline for entries is Saturday, March 12.
How you can get the P&J delivered to your door.
The Press and Journal delivers 8,728 copies daily. We work with 434 delivery agents across 113 areas from Stonehaven, all the way up to Thurso.
If you would like to have your Press and Journal delivered, simply phone one of the numbers below.
Aberdeen: 0800 0275040
Inverness: 0808 2022092
Elgin: 01343 554206
All of our home delivery customers automatically become members of our Home Delivery Club where you will have a chance of winning fantastic monthly prizes.