TWO young singing heroes from Alexandria have been nominated for prizes in this year’s Young Scot Awards.

Jack Mullen, 14, and Alfie King, 12, have been nominated in the Unsung Hero category for this year’s awards, which celebrate Scotland’s young people in recognition of their incredible achievements.

Jack and Alfie have attracted a growing following in the area after raising money for charity and cheering up staff and residents at the area’s care homes with their outdoor singing.

Jack told the Reporter: “I’m delighted and shocked at the same time. I really can’t thank everyone enough that took the time to nominate us.

“Even before lockdown, Alfie and I were involved in raising money or helping out charities, so to be up for such an amazing award is fantastic.”

Alfie first hit the headlines when he and another local singer, Ava McFarlane, competed in The Voice Kids in 2019.

He and Jack went viral just a few weeks before the first lockdown after a video of the pair singing the Beatles hit ‘Let It Be’ while travelling home from a gig in Glasgow became an internet sensation.

Alfie added: “It’s so surreal. I can’t believe that people have taken the time to nominate us. It’s amazing.

“To reach the final three is even crazier, as we only do what we have always done - support charities.

“We were out again on Mother’s Day just gone at a care home and have a few more lined up in the coming weeks.

“Good luck to everyone in the final and thanks to those that nominated us.”

And Alfie and Jack aren’t the only West Dunbartonshire young people in the running for an award – also nominated are Mollie-Rose Shields, 11, and 21-year-old Demi Kelly, both from Clydebank.

Mollie-Rose used her own money during the first lockdown to buy Easter eggs for her neighbours, sparking donations from members of the public which enabled her to give out 600 more eggs around the community.

And Demi also caught the judges’ eyes with her acts of generosity to neighbours during the lockdown – before teaming up with a friend to design a range of clothes which they sold to raise more than £2,000 for the Scottish Association for Mental Health.

Louise Macdonald OBE, chief executive of Young Scot, said: “Demi, Jack, Alfie and Mollie’s inspiring achievements show how important young people are to Scotland and their incredible contribution to communities in West Dunbartonshire.

“A huge congratulations to all of the 2021 finalists – we can’t wait to celebrate their achievements at the awards ceremony!”