IF YOU visit Little Shop of Heroes in Dunfermline’s Maygate anytime soon you will no doubt see a Press Community Champions Award proudly on display.

Alby Grainger, the owner of the popular comic book store, won last year’s Entrepreneurial Award for organising Dunfermline’s first Comic Con which attracted thousands of visitors to the town and raised hundreds of pounds for children’s hospice Rachel House.

The 49-year-old was immensely proud to be nominated after spending nine months putting the pieces together for the inaugural event, which doubled in turnout as it ran again for a second time this month.

He told the Press: “It was a fantastic night and it was touching to receive recognition and to be nominated by peers in the community.

"The awards are a great advert for Dunfermline and West Fife as so many people are recognised for their phenomenal work.

"It highlights all the good happening in the area that is often not given enough credit for.

"It quietens the constant moaners complaining that there’s nothing to do in Dunfermline! There’s a lot to do.

“We’ve lived here all our days and it’s a fantastic town. I just wish more people would shout about it.

"If you complain that nothing is going on, it’s your civic duty to promote what is happening or make something happen yourself. 

“You have an obligation to make the town a better place and help to try and make a change if you aren’t satisfied.

"It’s just me, Louise and Sinead (Alby’s wife and daughter) running this shop and we managed to put on a giant event in the town which attracted around 4,500 people. If we can do it, so can you.”

With this year’s Comic Con another great success, the Glen Pavilion has already been booked for 2018.

Alby said: “This year was excellent and really built on what we achieved in 2016.

"The Community Champions Award really helps in attracting funding for the event, too. It shows potential sponsors that there is a desire for this attraction and recognises that their interest will be worthwhile.”

For our 2017 awards, we want to hear about your community greats that make your community thrive. 

Nominate them today at  http://newsquestscotlandevents.com/events/dunfcommchamp/ 

The categories are: 

Entrepreneurial Award
Sponsored by Oliver & Robb Architects
Celebrates a person or a business who have demonstrated a special entrepreneurial flair, and has turned this passion to help grow their local community.

Sporting Champion of the Year
For a local individual who is making an impact in local sport, either on the pitch or off it. Who is the beating heart of local sport?

Young Enterprise Champion
Sponsored by TechnipFMC
Recognises young people who have succeeded in starting a business, creating benefits for themselves and for their communities. This award celebrates the work accomplished by a young person demonstrating good business skills.

Champion Teacher of the Year
Everyone remembers their favourite teacher. This award recognises teachers who are bringing learning to life by engaging and inspiring all children and young people to fulfil their potential.

Community Champion of the Year
Sponsored by Macklin Motors
Rewarding a local individual 18 years and upwards who goes out of their way to help those around them. Someone whose actions are a force for good in the community who we all benefit from making our community a better place.

Youth Community Champion
Sponsored by Fife Council
We are looking for a young person up to the age of 18 who volunteers and makes a significant contribution to their local community. We know kids sometimes get a bad reputation. Tell us now about the kids whose heart is in the right place.

Heart of Gold
Sponsored by Amazon
This award goes to someone who has made a contribution of outstanding significance to Central and West Fife. We will be recognising an adult whose actions, achievements, courage or bravery have touched the lives of others and made a difference. Someone special who truly has a heart of gold.

Little Champion of the Year
Sponsored by Canvas Holidays
To recognise an outstanding child up to the age of 18 whose achievements, courage or bravery make your heart burst with pride.

Charity Champion of the Year
When it comes to charity, West Fife is as big-hearted as you can get. This award is for an individual or group, who have dedicated their lives to supporting an amazing cause. A chance to recognise the incredible work they undertake tirelessly.

Live Music Award

This award will go to a local singer, band or group who put their heart and soul into every performance, whose talent makes us all extremely proud. Our finalists will have the opportunity to perform live at the awards gala.