A DEDICATED volunteer with the Ayrshire Hospice has been named Troon’s top citizen for her sterling work in the town.

Pensioner Jean Morman admitted she was “honoured and touched” after winning the Troon Civic Award, becoming Troon Citizen of the Year for 2019.

The unsung hero is now relishing the opportunity to take part in the town’s top events throughout the year, but will hope it gives her an opportunity to put the work of the Hospice in the forefront.

Jean, who was unveiled as Citizen of the Year by Troon Community Council before their meeting last Tuesday, said: “I am honoured and touched that someone has taken the time to nominate me for the award and I look forward to carrying out my duties.”

The winner said: “I have been involved with the Ayrshire Hospice for more than 30 years - right from the time the building was being planned up until now and recently helped with a Christmas card sale at Crosshouse Hospital, which was a big success.

“I was a teacher at Barassie Primary for 30 years before retiring and then worked as a volunteer at the day hospice for the next 16 years until the summer.

“I worked with the occupational therapists to help patients with silk painting and glass painting. I am also a member of Troon Old Parish Church.

Jean feels much of the credit for her accolade goes to others who have helped her.

She added: “I dedicate this to people I know who have been helping the hospice from day one.”

Now she is looking forward to immersing her new role. I will do what is expected of me and look forward to be involved in the community events.

“I have spoken to the Community Council about the likes of Wintertainment and Troon Gala. Hopefully in my role I will have an opportunity to promote the work which is done by the Ayrshire Hospice.

“The Hospice is a great organisation which does so much work in the community and I like to think of it as a happy place. It needs as much support as it can get.”

Troon Community Council chairwoman Helen Duff said:

“Congratulations on winning this and she thoroughly deserves this after hearing about all the time she has put into this over a period of 30years is truly amazing and is a very genuine person with a loving heart.”