Craig is a model citizen

Craig Stewart-Toner is all smiles as he receives the Moray Young Citizen of the Year award at the park which he helped transform.

A MORAY youngster certainly hit the right ‘tone’ at a glittering awards ceremony when he scooped the top accolade.

Hopeman loon, Craig Stewart-Toner (14), won the Young Citizen of the Year at a ceremony at the Mansefield Hotel in Elgin last Friday.

The fun-filled evening marked the second anniversary of the successful Moray Young Citizenship Awards, which has been recognised and commended in the Scottish Parliament.

Through hard work and determination the Lossiemouth High pupil transformed an overgrown play park in the Millfield Meadows estate in his home village of Hopeman.

Alternative options looked at included using the land to build new houses, but Craig persevered, and with the help of friends and neighbours returned the park to its former glory.

He has set up a Facebook account “Save the Meadows Garden Play Park” and gained the support of more than 200 people.

Craig earned the backing of local councillors for the clean-up, and of the organisation Play Scotland, who work to “promote the importance of play for all children”.

Lossiemouth High is also the proud winner of the international award.

Eighteen sixth-year pupils took part in the Global Exchange Programme, which enabled the youngsters to experience another culture. They also visited Bokamoso High School in Botswana as part of the programme.

The team thought of innovative and creative fund-raising methods to raise money for the trip. This included transforming their school canteen into an Italian restaurant for the evening where they served 90 three-course meals.

They also held an auction from items donated by the local community which raised £3,000.

The pupils worked just as hard at preparing lesson plans for the African school pupils. They spent considerable time and effort into creating a happy learning environment. The school collected a £500 prize.

The initiative was opened up this year to include primary schools. The winner was Alves. They undertook a range of events involving the community including a litter-pick, talent show, and a craft and farmer’s market. The primary received £500.

The awards are a partnership between Grampian Police, Moray Council and Diageo.

Speaking after the event, Superintendent Mark Cooper said: “Having only been in Moray division for three months as superintendent, I am really heartened by the level of community interaction we have up here.”