A CARING railway worker is on track for a top award in recognition of her efforts to support worthy causes.

Susan Temple, who works for ScotRail at Johnstone train station, is a finalist in the Charitable Person of the Year category at the Rail Staff Awards.

She was nominated by passengers who heard about her impressive efforts to support charities such as Women’s Aid and Turning Point, which helps homeless people.

READ MORE: Retirement beckons for ‘Postman Pete’ as he delivers final letters

Susan, 54, has encouraged customers to donate gifts to Women’s Aid so that children being supported by the charity have something to give to their mum on Christmas Day.

She has also collected warm clothing to donate to homeless people who have to spend the winter months out in the cold.

Others to benefit from Susan’s kindness include young girls who have been victims of human trafficking and those struggling with addictions.

However, the humble mum-of-three insists she is no hero.

Susan, who also has two grandchildren, told The Gazette: “I do the stuff I do simply because I can.

“I have been in that position where you don’t have anything, so I know what it’s like.”

Susan joined ScotRail 14 years ago as a member of barrier staff at Paisley Gilmour Street, before moving to Johnstone station, where she has worked in the booking office for the past 12 years.

Sophie Nightingale, who nominated Susan for the Charitable Person of the Year Award, said her efforts to help others fully deserve to be recognised.

She added: “Susan is well-known and liked. There are very few customers she’s not on first name terms with and there’s not an anniversary, new job or graduation she doesn’t know about.

“One of her regulars mentioned they volunteered as a street pastor and, when Susan learned the street pastors were struggling to meet the demand for hats, scarves and gloves to donate to the homeless population, an idea was formed.

“Putting up a poster on her community noticeboard, Susan encouraged customers to drop off any warm items at the booking office.

“Susan has a way of encouraging people to put themselves in others’ shoes. She is incredibly modest and has been thanked more times than she can remember.

“She has a fondness for her customers that goes beyond her job.”

READ MORE: Fed-up passengers plead with Renfrewshire council to move disused shelters

A public vote helped Susan reach the final 15, with a panel of judges now tasked with deciding the winner, to be announced on Thursday, November 29.

Susan, meanwhile, said it brings her joy to be able to help others.

She added: “I love my job and I love Johnstone. Most of my customers are amazing and I wish they could get an award for what they do.”