A HOUSING association is leading by example in healthy living.

Queen's Cross Housing Association has picked up a Cycle Friendly Employer Award from Cycling Scotland.

Richard Allwood, head of housing support, is a champion of the Cycling Scotland initiative that encourages employees to cycle rather than drive to and from work.

Richard said: "We are thrilled to receive the award and plan to continue the good work with more events and initiatives to encourage more staff to get on their bikes."

Gerry Mitchell, travel choice adviser from The Bike Station, presented the award on behalf of Cycling Scotland. He said Queens Cross provided excellent facilities for cyclists.

A MOTHER whose son drowned overseas is continuing her fight for greater support for families whose relatives die abroad.

Julie Love's son Colin drowned on holiday in Venezuela, aged 23.

Julie, from Maryhill, says she received little support from authorities and was left with many unanswered questions.

She campaigned for an extension to fatal accident inquiry legislation as she felt it should cover the deaths of Scots abroad. In 2011, an inquiry agreed and the law will be changed.

Julie, a nominee for this year's Evening Times Scotswoman of the Year, said: "It saddens me that in the four years since Colin died there has not been much progress."

NORTH Glasgow residents are being urged to try their hand at volunteering.

Volunteer Glasgow is organising "try it and see" session at lunch clubs, conservation groups and charity shops.

The programmes are open only to residents in the north or south east of Glasgow.

They are particularly suitable to anyone who faces barriers to volunteering such as disabilities, mental health problems, addiction backgrounds or long-term unemployment.

Programmes will be running between now and March, and involve six or seven half days over two or three weeks.

For more information call 0141 226 3431 during office hours.

A CHARITY is promising an out-of-this-world event.

East Park, which provides residential care for young people with additional support needs, has organised an Evening of Mediumship to raise funds.

The event on February 16 is hosted by the Glasgow Association of Spiritualists, with medium Nita Saunders. Some fledgling mediums will give 15-minute readings.

The Maryhill based charity provides care for young people aged five to 25, with the most sev-ere and complex addit-ional support needs.

Its campus in Maryhill Road has four specially designed multi-occupancy houses and relies on donations.

For details visit the Glasgow Association of Spiritualists website.