Tranent Co-op Funeralcare handed out 12 hampers to local heroes across the county before Christmas to thank them for their hard work.

Lee Rollo Stewart, funeral director, helped deliver the hampers to the heroes, who had been nominated by the public last month.

Crossing guides Viv Campbell and Graham McKinlay were rewarded for their efforts with a hamper.

Viv worked hard last year to look after the children at Pencaitland Primary School as they went to and from school, while Graham continues to work at 80 years old by helping pupils at Windygoul Primary School in Tranent.

Volunteers and community workers Kenny McCran, Marion Hoggan, Paula Waugh and Alexander Brown were all recognised for their hard work in the community, volunteering for various projects throughout the year.

While Tranent-based Lynne Blyth was given a hamper for her constant community work.

Lynne said: “I’m still taking everything in.

“Can I thank everyone who nominated me? I was blown away and could not speak for crying. I have sore eyes as it is and the tears did not help!”

Stella and Alex Campbell were given hampers for their outstanding work in the community over the last year, while Janette Steedman, of Bisset & Steedman – which recently moved from Tranent to Prestonpans – was given a hamper as a thanks for all the business had brought to the community.

Haddington mum Lyn Hamilton and her family were given a hamper for their bravery. Lyn’s son Archie, 15, has been battling cancer after being diagnosed earlier in the year. That came after Lyn’s daughter Nancy, 13, was diagnosed with dystonia, a highly variable neurological movement disorder characterised by involuntary muscle contractions, seven years ago.

Entertainer Donna Howe was awarded a hamper for her work in keeping the community smiling in 2022.

Donna said: “Thank you so much Lee Rollo Stewart and those who nominated me.

“I feel so privileged to be part of this wonderful community. Well done to all the other recipients, I feel so honoured to be amongst such a great bunch.”

Finally, a hamper was given to Claire East, who has been working for years as a Womble, helping to keep the streets of East Lothian clean. Claire has been an inspiration for many Wombles groups, including Tranent Wombles.

Alongside her husband, Claire has worked tirelessly to keep the county’s streets clean as much as possible.

Reflecting on the hampers being handed out, Lee Rollo Stewart said: “It has been another fantastic year of offering our thanks to some of East Lothian’s heroes.

“It’s difficult because there are so many people who deserved a hamper but we could only choose 12, so it was hard to narrow it down.

“Every single one of them are deserving winners for all they have done for the community.

“I’d like to thank all those who donated to the hampers too and to those who nominated these heroes.”

As a thank you for all her hard work, members of the community got together to present Lee with her own hamper too.

Lee said: “It felt amazing when I was given one myself. I certainly don’t see myself as a hero but it was lovely to be recognised.”