A TRANENT residents’ group has won a prestigious award for its work developing its local community.

Muirpark Steading View Tenants and Residents Association was named the winner in the Community Development category at they recent Tenants Information Service (TIS) National Excellence Awards 2017.

The group, which was involved in the creation of the town’s APOGI – A Place of Great Importance – received its award at a ceremony in Cumbernauld from former River City actress Libby McArthur.

Established in 2012, the association’s work on the APOGI established community gardens and allotments, as well as cairns marking out the green space within the area, creating a friendly and safe environment for the local community to come together.

A spokesperson for the group said: “We couldn’t believe it [when we won the award]; what a wonderful surprise to be acknowledged for all the hard work not only put in by Muirpark and Steading View TRA but also the wider local community.”

More than 300 guests attended the ceremony at the Westerwood Hotel and Resort.

Tranent’s ambitious APOGI project is marked at its entrance with stone cairns which have been filled with mementoes and memories of local residents, capturing their own personal thoughts about their home town.

Mark Ormiston, chairman of East Lothian Tenants’ and Residents’ Panel, was also honoured at the ceremony after he was named a finalist in the reputable Frances Nelson MBE Excellence category, which celebrates the commitment and hard work of individuals who have made a difference within their local communities.

A social activist in tenant participation since 2008, Mark was described as an inspirational character who dedicated his time and effort to improve the lives and well-being of others and was recognised for his commitment and efforts in encouraging tenants to get involved with their landlords and engage in tenant participation activities.

He said: “I am delighted to be nominated for this award and I am truly honoured. It means a lot that I have been nominated as a finalist for this award in acknowledgement of all the hard work that individuals do within their communities.”

The Tenants Information Service (TIS), was also delighted to welcome Mark as a new board director to the organisation..