FIT Ayrshire Dads have celebrated their first incredible year with a glitzy awards bash.

The fitness group came together for a starry ceremony at Beechams Club last week to recognise their hard work in the community.

Founder Kevin Brown organised the event and MSP Ruth Maguire came along to present the awards.

Kevin said the awards ceremony was the perfect way to top off an outstanding year. He told the Times: “It proved to be a powerful night with emotions running high but such a success and already I can’t wait until the next one. Joining us as our special guest was MSP Ruth Maguire who has always been a advocate of the work we do.

“I have watched this year where so many men have evolved into brand new models of themselves. I have watched some who were overweight, shed stones, some who couldn’t run complete half marathons, some who couldn’t do anything complete triathlons. I’ve seen guys start gyms and go to obstacle races and qualify for world championships. I have seen guys go from socially awkward isolated souls to confident, engaging, thoughtful superstars. But most importantly I have saw us save lives.”

The night started off with several young people from the Garnock Valley Pipes and Drums band who played a tribute to those lost to suicide in the last year and gave everyone in the room a moment to reflect.

The first award up was the community moment of the year and the Fit Ayrshire Dads chose the charity work done at Kiltwalk where FADS raised over £9,000 for Whiteleys Retreat. Bernard Smith from Whiteleys took to the stage to tell the audience the difference the money made.

The FADS’ Tough Mudder was crowned as the Team Moment of the Year.Winners of the Inspirational FADS awards were Mark Stewart, Michael Ryan, Jamie Burns, Andy Chalmers and Raymond McNally.

Two main awards for FAD of the Year were presented as they couldn’t pick just one. The winners were James Moore and Robert Montgomery.

The admin team, Robert Telford , Derek Skedd, Andrew Hodge, Tony Bryden and Keith Cochrane who work hard behind the scenes were also commended for their amazing commitment.