CELEBRATIONS are being held at John Bellany Day Centre in Port Seton next week as it celebrates its 20th anniversary of providing services to the community.

The centre began in the community centre in 1996 after two years of campaigning by local people who believed there was a need for it, despite being told there would be no money from East Lothian Council.

Co-ordinator Ann Anderson was a driving force as the group won charitable status and established itself in the community with a management committee and dedicated team of staff and volunteers.

Anne Channas, who was the development worker for East Lothian project Action on Dementia, helped ensure the paperwork was completed for the group to become a charity and a decision taken to name themselves after world-famous Port Seton artist John Bellany.

Originally open for one day a week in the community centre, where the lift often broke down, the centre quickly saw client numbers grow and increased its open days.

By 2000 they were moving into their own centre, built on the site of the old Pond Hall, and displaying artwork on the walls which had been gifted to them by John Bellany himself.

Hundreds of older residents have made use of the centre over the years and it will officially mark its anniversary on Friday, May 27, after a week of daytime parties for its current clients.

An exhibition of old images from Cockenzie and Port Seton is also going on display in the centre, alongside a wall of photographs of visitors over the years.

Keith McCombs, assistant manager, is the longest serving member of staff and joined when they moved into their current premises on The Promenade.

Keith said: “It is a great centre and a big part of the community. We have a good team of staff here who work tirelessly with our customers and keep them entertained as well as looking after their needs.

“We wanted to mark the anniversary with a week-long celebration and make sure all our clients were able to join in.

"Next Friday we are holding a special celebration to mark our anniversary and already we have 90 names on our guest list. It is going to be quite a party.”