A DUMBARTON man has admitted he was lost for words after being named as a leading charity’s Volunteer of the Year.

Craig Sullivan has been selflessly volunteering in the Oxfam bookshop located on Byres Road in Glasgow’s West End for over six years.

He was nominated for the annual award by his line manager for his tireless enthusiasm and selfless dedication to the charity’s global fight against poverty.

Craig who has cerebral palsy was delighted upon hearing the news of his nomination.

He told the Reporter: “I have no words to explain how happy this award makes me feel; what an absolute honour.

“Volunteering in the shop is my passion. I love it. I learn about the world around me and it is so good for my well-being.”

However, 34-year-old Craig says he strongly believes that he could not have achieved the award without the support from others.

“I'd like to thank my family, friends and colleagues in the shop for all of their support.”

The book store manager Euan Lynch describes how Craig has been an inspiration to many Oxfam staff and volunteers across the country.

He said: “Craig embodies Oxfam’s values to the core. He has overcome significant adversity in his life, yet he almost always has a smile on his face; inspiring those around him with his optimistic can-do attitude.

“Craig’s a true ambassador for Oxfam; someone I’m proud to know and privileged to mentor and manage.”

Craig’s volunteer duties include being in charge of the shop’s ‘Fair Trade’ and ‘Sourced by Oxfam’ product lines, with both ranges having the highest sales of any Oxfam shop across the UK.

He is also in charge of the Oxfam stall at the Glasgow Charity and Voluntary Sector Christmas Fayre, held every year at the famous City Chambers in George Square.

Currently, the book shop is supported by a team of 80 volunteers, but Euan says more help is always needed once the shops are allowed to re-open whilst following government guidelines.

He said: “Volunteers like Craig are the lifeblood of Oxfam and without them our work to end poverty and injustice simply wouldn’t be possible.

“When it’s safe to re-open our doors, we will undoubtedly need more volunteers like Craig; ordinary people committed to doing extraordinary work; to step forward to help.”