THE charitable efforts of Haddington’s young and elderly population have been recognised at Westminster.

Ahead of Christmas, pupils at The Compass School collected food for East Lothian Foodbank through a ‘reverse Advent calendar’.

Each day, pupils brought tins and packets of food, and household necessities, and left them in a collection box at the front gate.

Meanwhile, residents of Haddington Care Home smashed their fundraising target to buy a community defibrillator.

Kenny MacAskill, MP for East Lothian, highlighted the achievements with two Early Day Motions.

Youngsters at The efforts of youngsters at The Compass School have been recognised at Westminster

Youngsters at The efforts of youngsters at The Compass School have been recognised at Westminster

The first motion congratulated the youngsters for their efforts and read: “That this House congratulates the efforts of pupils at The Compass School in Haddington in collecting donations for East Lothian Foodbank’s ‘reverse Advent calendar’ scheme; notes the scheme was put in place in response to requests from the foodbank to help ensure families had a Christmas dinner and were supported at this difficult time of year; and echoes the words of headteacher Mark Becher by thanking everyone for their kindness and generosity.”

Meanwhile, residents at Haddington Care Home, on the town’s Mill Wynd, were also praised for getting their walking shoes on for a good cause.

Haddington Care Home residents have been working hard

Haddington Care Home residents have been working hard

The motion read: “That this House applauds the residents of Haddington Care Home who raised £1,500 in less than a fortnight by walking 1,515 laps; notes that the money raised will go towards the purchase of a defibrillator; and recognises that their passion for fundraising has been sparked as they continue to raise money for the care home’s welfare fund and East Lothian Foodbank.”