Ayrshire Extra editor John Matthews has picked up an award for his work on wartime heroes.

He was presented with the award, alongside Scottish writer Sergio Burns, in recognition for their work on Ayrshire’s Wartime Heroes, a book devised and published by Archant Scotland’s Ayrshire Extra last year.

Justice minister Cathy Jamieson awarded the pair certificates at the Hollybush House Veterans Treatment Centre, one of three Combat Stress treatment centres in the UK.

The book became a number one bestseller at Ottakar’s bookshop, knocking Sharon Osbourne off the number one spot at Christmas and making celebrities of those whose stories were featured.

John said: “This book isn’t about the Churchills or the Montgomerys, this is about ordinary men and women who did extraordinary things during the Second World War and then returned to anonymity.

“Their stories reflect those of countless other unsung heroes who deserve our thanks and these awards are really for them.”

Cathy Jamieson said: “This book is a remarkable achievement and is well worthy of recognition.”

Also in attendance was Garry Walker, head of care services at Hollybush House, who initially helped with information and acted as a useful contact during the making of the book.

Garry received several hundred copies of Ayrshire’s Wartime Heroes to sell on behalf of the Combat Stress charity, which cares for ex-service personnel suffering from psychological injury caused or exacerbated by their military experiences.

These were donated by The Extra and sponsored by Wm Grant Whisky, to help the charity with its funding.

The newspaper also donated books to The British Legion.