June 1-7 June is Volunteers’ Week 2020 and South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth has taken the opportunity to praise the region’s volunteers.

Volunteers’ Week gives us the chance to celebrate and say thank you for the contribution millions of volunteers make across the UK.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, volunteers have been especially important, helping vulnerable members of the community to cope during this difficult time.

Colin Smyth and Councillor Ronnie Nicholson were invited to Dumfries’ Tesco Extra store at Cuckoo Bridge on Monday at the start of Volunteers’ Week, where Summerhill Community Centre have joined with Tesco to say thank you to the volunteers in the community.

The centre and Tesco compiled photos of volunteers from the area in a special display in store to say thank you to all those selfless individuals during Volunteers’ Week.

Colin Smyth said: “Dumfries and Galloway’s volunteers are the backbone of our communities all year round and it is fantastic that we can celebrate their ongoing work during Volunteers’ Week.

“Volunteering is a selfless and valuable resource, and during the Covid-19 pandemic we have seen our volunteers shine.

“The ongoing issues which have arisen because of lockdown have meant that volunteers are even more invaluable.

“The photographs compiled by Summerhill Community Centre and displayed by Tesco showing volunteers carrying out such great work across North West Dumfries highlights the huge amount of work being carried out across the area.

“I can’t thank all volunteers enough and would urge everyone to do the same, during Volunteers’ Week but also throughout the rest of the year.”