Southside volunteers for the British Red Cross have been honoured for their dedication at an awards ceremony in Erskine.

Govanhill’s Joan James and Dumbreck’s Ian Donnachie were among those recognised at the event in Erskine Hospital’s Reid MacEwan Training and Conference Centre.

Ian was received one of the UK’s highest accolades for a volunteer, the Volunteer Medical Service (VMS) Award. To qualify for this, a person must have volunteered for a medical or health-related service for at least 15 years.

Ian has been a volunteer for 18 years and regularly trains people in life-saving first aid skills. He is also a member of the Emergency Response Team.

Ann Brogan, Chair of the Red Cross in Glasgow and Lanarkshire, said, ‘Ian is a highly respected first aid trainer who has given a great deal of time to the Red Cross over the years. He is always willing to help in any way he can and is a good friend to his group. He supports new members and passes on his skills.’

Joan joined the Red Cross in 2000 and volunteers as a shop assistant in the Victoria Road British Red Cross shop. She received a five-year service award. Ann said, ‘Joan is a dedicated volunteer and an excellent asset to the Victoria Road shop. She is a highly respected member of the team who seeks no reward or recognition for all that she does.’