The votes have been cast, and been cast in large numbers, and the shortlist can finally be revealed for this year’s Home Delivery Awards.
To help celebrate the scores of people who deliver The Press & Journal come rain or shine, we have called on our readers to nominate particularly impressive delivery agents across a variety of categories.
And you certainly didn’t disappoint with more than 1000 votes cast across both The Press & Journal and Evening Express titles.
The nominations have been narrowed down to 34 finalists, who will be attending the awards ceremony alongside their families on May 7.
Held at The Belmont Film House, which is the main sponsor for the event, it’s sure to be an exciting night with some heartwarming stories of dedication revealed among the youngsters in the spotlight.
Charlotte-May Gourdie, 17, of Inverness has been put forward for the community award, and her parents couldn’t be more proud.
“Charlotte started her paper round aged 13, she has always been a morning person so it’s never a chore for her to get up to deliver her papers,” said Mrs Gourdie.
“Over the years, she has built up a friendly customer base, with all her customers on first name terms with her.
“She knows the time is coming for her to retire from her paper round, but she is very reluctant as she enjoys her weekly chats with her customers and she doesn’t want to let them down.
“But I’m sure she will still pop a Christmas card through their doors updating them on her progress in the future.”
Charlotte is currently sitting her exams and hopes to continue her studies at RGU.
She’s not the only youngster who has gone above and beyond for customers.
Kyle Smith has been nominated in the most dedicated category for his round in Torry.
His supervisor, Tracy Smith, said: “I have two or three customers of Kyle that I know personally who have spoken very highly of him, he is a chatty likeable boy with a great personality.”
Dozens of P&J readers have also given glowing reports about their young delivery agents, who don’t just bring the paper, but volunteer to bring in refuse bins and mow the lawn.
Customers of Lewis Arnott, who has been put forward as the most voted deliverer in his Milltimber patch, described him as reliable and consistently faithful.
One reader added: “The P&J is always through the door from Monday to Saturday, whatever the weather, on time for breakfast.”
Prizes will be awarded for the following categories:
Most Voted Male & Female – P&J Inverness/Highland & Moray/ P&J Aberdeen and Shire / Evening Express / Retail P&J and EE
Above & Beyond – P&J Inverness/Highland & Moray / P&J Aberdeen and shire / Evening Express
Most Dedicated – P&J Inverness/Highland & Moray / P&J Aberdeen and shire / Evening Express
Community Award – P&J Inverness/Highland & Moray / P&J Aberdeen and shire / Evening Express
Retail Award – P&J Inverness/Highland & Moray / P&J Aberdeen and shire / Evening Express