Several tenants were surprised at their homes after having been acknowledged for their admirable community spirit and incredible efforts over the last year.

The individuals were recognised for their selfless acts with a special gift and a personalised letter from Loreburn’s chief executive, Lorraine Usher.

Rachael McCrory, neighbourhood officer, said: “Throughout the pandemic, we have witnessed some truly incredible acts of kindness from our tenants.

“We have had residents completely transform and maintain outside communal spaces with flowers and benches. The community spirit that people have shown is unparalleled.

“Even the smallest actions can have the biggest of impacts. We wanted to show our customers that their efforts are, and have been, appreciated.”

Hailed as ‘community heroes’, residents across the region have generously volunteered their time to lift community spirits and help those more vulnerable among us.

A total of 13 people were chosen to receive a ‘GREAT Big Thank You’ in recognition of their commendable acts of kindness.

Throughout lockdown, James Firman has regularly helped take care of communal spaces and has assisted neighbours with grass cutting and maintenance.

Mr Firman, who lives in Sandhead, said: “It’s nice to help others out and give something back to the community.

“I have really enjoyed transforming and maintaining the communal bit of land behind my house - it keeps me busy. The potatoes and leeks I planted earlier in the year are now ready for everyone to enjoy.

“I appreciate the recognition from Loreburn, thank you so much for the hamper.”

Neighbourhood officers have been surprising tenants over the last week with hand-made hampers as a show of appreciation of their efforts.

Christine Henry, from Stranraer, showed great compassion and kindness when she supported a new neighbour by donating various household items to help get him set up in his new home.

She said: “‘It was my pleasure to have helped the new neighbour. It felt like the right thing to do, we all need a little bit of help now and again.”

Josie Clive and Linda Murphy, both from Stranraer, worked hard to completely transform and maintain their outside communal spaces.

They said: “We had great fun helping to improve the look of the communal areas and hop to keep it up next year.

“It’s brightened the place up. Now it’s a much nicer space for people to use and enjoy.”

Lorraine Usher, chief executive, said: “Despite the challenges we’ve all faced over the past year, it’s heart-warming to see that our customers have maintained a positive spirit.

“It makes us feel very proud to work alongside them as tenants and their contributions have been greatly appreciated by not just staff, but the wider community as well.”