HISTORY has been made as the Dunbar Community Council Award has been shared for the first time.

Stephen Bunyan presented the award to Gordon Easingwood and Pauline Smeed, both from Dunbar and District History Society.

At the same time, teenage sprint sensation Maria Lyle received the Bowe Cup, which celebrates the achievements of the town’s youngsters.

Mr Bunyan, community council chairman, welcomed more than 25 people from throughout the town to the awards.

He said: “The community council recognises that Dunbar has become a very vibrant community.

“We live in exciting times – people are doing all sorts of things and it amazes me every week to hear of some new venture with people busily doing whatever they may want to do.” Previously, the Community Council Award, which is given to an adult who has made a difference in the town, had only been given to one person each year.

However, Mr Bunyan said the community council had decided to “make an exception” in recognising Mr Easingwood and Mrs Smeed’s achievements.

Mr Easingwood, chairman of Dunbar and District History Society, stressed the award was a team effort for all those involved with the group.

He said: “Hopefully, we can provide a service of genealogy and historical interest to the community – both locally and enquiries from abroad.” Mrs Smeed, the group’s secretary, agreed it was a team effort and added: “You are only as good as your team and really the reward comes in meeting all the interesting people and projects you are involved with.

“You never know who is going to stroll in the door.” Meanwhile, the Bowe Cup was originally presented by David Bowe for the smartest dressed plough team in the county. Down the years it stopped being presented before being resurrected and is now used to recognise the achievements of the town’s top young people.

Will Collin, community councillor and a former headteacher at Dunbar Grammar School, told those in attendance about Maria’s achievements.

He highlighted her success on the international stage against considerably older competitors.

Certificates were also presented to four adults and two youngsters for their efforts over the past 12 months.

Alison Lange, coordinator of the town’s day centre; Jimmy Wilson, one of two community wardens in the county; and Thelma Band, president of the town’s Rotary Club, all received certificates. Gordon Mitchell, who organises Dunbar Flower Show, was unable to attend the meeting and a certificate will be presented to him later.

Meanwhile, Lottie Hirons, Dunbar Grammar School’s head girl, also received a certificate for her efforts across the year, while Andrew Bell, the school’s head boy, who was unable to attend, is also to receive a certificate.