A TRUSTEE at Settle Swimming Pool has been named 'volunteer of the year' at a county-wide awards ceremony held in Harrogate.

Anne Galloway was one of several 'unsung heroes' who were honoured at North Yorkshire Council's annual community awards held at the Wider Partnership Conference at the Pavilions of Harrogate on Friday last week.

Skipton Step Into Action, set up during the coronavirus pandemic, was a runner-up in the awards which saw 147 nominations from 123 different groups and individuals in three categories including a new award for those who dedicate their time to care for the environment.

Anne Galloway, one of 12 volunteer trustees at the community-led Settle Area Swimming Pool, Giggleswick, is in charge of staffing and management - an important role during the re-opening of the pool in October last year following major refurbishment.

She is also key in the running of the charity shop, in Duke Street, which raises funds for the pool, organising the rota, running the shop sub-committee with fellow trustees, and maintaining an over-view of the stock and its organisation.

Council chair, Councillor David Ireton, member for Bentham and Ingleton, said: “We are pleased to celebrate the achievements of the many individuals, groups and businesses who go the extra mile to help their communities.

“With many households feeling the crunch during the cost-of-living crisis, it’s great to see people come together to support the most vulnerable in North Yorkshire.

“This year also sees an emphasis on protecting our environment, and we have recognised the brilliant work that goes on to tackle climate change.”

The category winners received £1,000 for their project, group or nominated relevant local charity in the case of the volunteer award.. Two runners-up in each category received £250.

Skipton Step into Action was runners-up in the best community group award, which was won by Neurodiverse Community Catterick.

Sustainable Swaledale picked up the Caring for the Environment award.