Local community champions were recognised at last week's Tranent and Elphinstone Community Council (TECC) Achievement Awards.

The evening, held at Windygoul Primary School last Wednesday, saw 10 awards handed out, in front of an audience of about 50 guests, including the county's MSP Iain Gray, MP George Kerevan, and predecessor Fiona O'Donnell, who was recognised for her work in the local community.

There was also a lifetime achievement award for Jim McCran.

He was delighted to have been recognised, and was presented a certificate by Jim Gillies, ward councillor.

A shocked Mr McCran said "It was a total shock - if I'd have known, I'd have put on a suit!

"I just thought I had been invited along like everyone else, so to get this award is really a big shock - I don't know what to say.

"You do not do things to get awards but I am really chuffed - this will be going up in the wall in the house."

And TECC treasurer Joan Ramsay also paid tribute to the group's former chairman, Colin Martin, who was given the Special Achievement Award.

Mrs Ramsay, whose husband Brian had earlier received an award for his work with the Scouts, said Mr Martin "really deserved" his award for his work within the community.

Councillor Donald Grant added: "He has worked hard in the community - whether it was the Social Inclusion Partnership, the community council or the Juniors, he has done a lot of work, and a lot of it is behind the scenes."

Elsewhere, bowler Megan Kivlin was recognised in the youth category, while Scottish champion bowlers Brian Young and Jim Bonner were also recognised.

Elizabeth Fleming, who has cerebral palsy but lives an independent life and has written two books, was given one of two community individual awards, alongside Brian Ramsay.

Tranent Colts were recognised as the community's best sports club, although Scott Glynn, MC, praised all the local clubs.

Five-year-old Orla Grant was also given an award, in the youth category, for her fundraising efforts for classmate Ollie Porter.

Iain Gray made the presentation, and paid tribute to the Windygoul Primary pupil.

He said: “I was delighted to be asked to present Orla with a youth award for her extraordinary fundraising efforts for the Child Brain Injury Trust. She has shown great care and consideration at such a young age and her efforts have helped to raise a huge sum for the charity to help her friend Ollie.

“Orla is just a very young example of the kind of commitment to their friends and neighbours you see from young Belters."

The Belters were named best community group, while East Lothian Co-op Funeral Care took home the best business award.

And there was a presentation to Fiona O'Donnell, who said: "I don't know what I did for this award - I was just doing my job!

"I feel very inadequate in comparison to all the winners, but thank you, and thanks for a wonderful five years."

And Iain Gray paid tribute to Ms O'Donnell's contribution, saying: “Fiona was an outstanding representative for East Lothian and a great colleague and friend to me. She did a huge amount for Tranent during her time as the local MP, so it was very thoughtful and highly appropriate for members of the community council to mark her contribution in this way.”

Scott Glynn, MC for the evening, praised the local community spirit, and congratulated all the winners.