PEEBLESSHIRE Youth Trust (PYT) has been praised for its excellent management of volunteers.

The local charity works with parents and schools to support children and families in the Tweeddale area.

And last Thursday, the Trust was presented with a Volunteer Friendly Award to recognise its services.

Susan Swan, Executive Officer of Volunteer Centre Borders, said: “The welfare of volunteers is at the forefront of PYT’s success.

“PYT volunteers have fun doing what they have chosen to do – but at the same time, they are protected, supported, valued and rewarded.” The Trust deploys 70 volunteers in a number of community support projects, including the Achieve Your Potential Programme for Primary 6 pupils in Peebles and Innerleithen, one-to-one support sessions for secondary school pupils in Peebles and a Christmas hamper delivery service – all initiatives which can make a real difference to the lives of children and their families.

Susan added: “Since it started five years ago, PYT has gone from strength to strength. But its success is not accidental – it is because of hard work and good management throughout the organisation.

“When we asked PYT if they would like to complete the Volunteer Friendly quality assurance, we knew that we would receive a portfolio of evidence showing how good they are, but we hadn’t anticipated seeing one of the best Volunteer Friendly portfolios yet.

“It is a fine example, not just of how to present the information, but how to treat volunteers and keep a well-run organisation going.

“I’m not at all surprised that our first plan to present this award was thwarted in December by PYT visiting Number 10 Downing Street - when co-ordinator Angela Preston was invited to a special reception hosted by the Prime Minister - because the work that is done deserves to be recognised.”