COMMUNITY heroes were honoured as Tranent and Elphinstone Community Council held its biannual awards ceremony at Sanderson’s Wynd Primary School.

From sporting achievements to volunteers and local businesses who all help to keep the community flourishing, there was a wealth of talent to celebrate.

The biggest surprise of the night was for the community council’s Lifetime Contribution Award winner James Bruce who helped judge this year’s nominees and had no idea he was also receiving a prize.

Mr Bruce – chairman of Carefree Kids, a founding member of East Lothian Foodbank and Lammermuir Community Transport as well as former president of Tranent Rotary Club –was delighted by his award.

He said: “I did not know anything about it, I was happy to be a judge.The people who are being recognised for their work are all worthy recipients.

“I have lived in Tranent for 33 years and would not want to live anywhere else. I do not consider I have done very much. I feel very honoured.”

Young sporting stars were also recognised with Danny Stevenson, East Lothian Bowling Association’s Youth Singles winner for 2018, and swimmer Stefan Krawiec, who claimed gold medals in the 13-years’ age group at the Scottish National Championships as well as setting new age group records, receiving awards.

There were awards for individuals whose support of their local community was outstanding including long-serving elder at Tranent Parish Church David Menzies, fundraiser extraordinaire Joyce Thomson, and singer Jaqueline Cochrane.

And local businesses were also recognised with Elphinstone-based Roots & Fruits and long-standing Tranent family business Bisset and Steedman recognised for the roles they play in the community.

East Lothian Provost John McMillan said he remembered Bisset and Steedman from childhood and the business, which was established in 1932 and has four generations of family behind it, has always been about “quality of service”.

He said: “They have always been known for quality of service and care for their customers and they are a big part of the community.”

Roots & Fruits’ award was presented by community councillor Robert McNeill who was involved with the social enterprise company for five years.

Based in the village shop in Elphinstone, they work to promote healthy eating and provide affordable fresh fruit and vegetables.

A spokesperson said: “We are absolutely delighted. This award is for the community and beyond as we could not have done it without you.”

East Lothian Co-operative Bowling Club was also recognised for its charity work with more than £75,000 raised for CHAS and thousands more donated to local charities and causes over the years.

Club president Gordon Pryde accepted the award but said: “It is not about me, it is about our club members, it is our members who are at the heart of the club and my thanks go to all of them.”

East Lothian MSP Iain Gray attended the awards ceremony and helped present the awards.

He said: “This is always an impressive event. Every year there are very worthy award winners who are contributing to the community. Tranent and Elphinstone really produces great achievements, particularly in sport. It is fantastic to see the strength of the community in all these areas.”

The awards evening was hosted by Tranent sporting legend George McNeill and a special tribute was paid at the end to fundraising veteran Scott Glynn who was unable to attend.

Organisers had hoped to celebrate Scott’s recent MBE during the evening but Mr McNeill said he was enjoying a well-earned holiday with his family.

He led a round of applause in appreciation of Scott’s achievement and community work.