Harlawhill Day Centre has been recognised in a national awards ceremony for the care it provides to elderly people.

The Prestonpans facility was honoured at the Age Scotland Awards in Glasgow, claiming the Services for Older People prize at the annual ceremony.

The awards were held for the first time in person since 2019 and celebrate the work of groups, charities and individuals for the innovative and compassionate work they do to improve the lives of older people.

Harlawhill has been there for the elderly in the community in need of advice, guidance and assistance for more than 30 years while fostering a sense of community.

The charity has gained acclaim in Prestonpans for supporting older people and those living with dementia, and offering respite to carers.

The centre’s work during the Covid-19 pandemic was also celebrated at the ceremony, with its forced closure not stopping staff from offering care, friendship and assistance to those in the community who needed it most.

This was highlighted through the network of telephone buddies that the centre set up to relieve the boredom of lockdown and ensure everyone had someone to talk to.

Ewan McMillan, trustee of Harlawhill Day Centre, said: “It is a great honour and a privilege to have won this year’s Age Scotland Award for Services for Older People.

“As a small charity in the care sector, it is always rewarding to receive praise for the work we do, but to receive it from your peers is even more special.

“We do what we do for our community and could not do it without the support from the community of Prestonpans, who have been so generous to us over the years.

“This award will propel us to continue in our efforts with renewed vigour, to support and care for our elderly members, who mean the world to us.

“Thank you so much, from everyone at Harlawhill.”

Brian Sloan, chief executive of Age Scotland, added: “I am delighted to present the Services for Older People award to the hugely popular Harlawhill Day Centre.

“It’s clear how important the centre is to older people in the area, creating a tight-knit community and lifelong friendships.

“During the Covid-19 pandemic, the team stepped in to support older people through the challenging times and the reunion once the centre reopened was a real cause for celebration.

“Many congratulations to Harlawhill Day Centre, worthy winners of the award.”