DEDICATED volunteers have been recognised for their commitment to Haddington.

Haddington Festival opened on Sunday and featured the second-ever Haddington Heroes Awards ceremony.

Members of Haddington and District Community Council presented more than a dozen accolades to people from a variety of groups.

East Lothian Courier: Haddington Heroes recognised the efforts of volunteers throughout Haddington

Therese Laing, chairwoman, said: “I think it is just time to shine a light on the many unsung heroes who go above and beyond to enrich the lives of others.

“The Haddington Heroes is just to give us an opportunity to show them how much we value them.

“I know there are loads and loads of volunteers in Haddington.

“It is fabulous and we do not always see them doing all these lovely things.

“This is just a way for the community to give them the recognition they so richly deserve.”

Volunteers at Our Community Kitchen (OCK) were among those being recognised.

The group, which meets in Haddington Bowling Club, was set up to tackle loneliness by getting people round the table to enjoy a home-cooked meal.

Karen Dick, chairperson of OCK, also runs disabled bowling at the club for the community.

Tonia Moncrieff, Helen Nisbet, Sylvia Glendinning and Pete Hunter were said to “continually go above and beyond to volunteer above their paid hours”.

Meanwhile, Valerie Smith was said to be “the backbone of their fundraising events”.

Finally, Alison Reynolds, Verity Munro, Katherine Goodwin, Claire Goodwin, Gordon Scott and Jamie Trout were all said to be “incredibly community-spirited people who put a huge amount of effort into our fundraising events and other aspects of work in Our Community Kitchen”.

Among those unable to attend the event was Drew Donaldson, chairman of Haddington Athletic Football Club.

He was described as having been “hugely influential in our community, giving up his time to promote sport and, in particular, youth development”.

Well-known music teacher Anne Traill also provides music sessions at Haddington Care Home. It was said that her sessions “radiate enthusiasm and joy, and put a smile on everyone’s faces”.

Liz McDougall has been volunteering in the town for more than 20 years, helping Haddington Pipe Band, the Nungate Gala committee and Haddington Events Group.

Meanwhile, Beverley Cowan was described as “an outstanding, empathetic carer” who offered care “with a smile on her face”.

Community councillor Rab Moran is a key part of the successful green-fingered Blooming Haddington group. He was recognised for his ability to lend a hand, with “nothing ever too much trouble”.

Veronica Wallace was also recognised for her work through the East Lothian Messenger. The group provides local news in the form of recorded broadcasts to members of the public with sight difficulties.

Finally, Shiva and Shanthi Kumar were presented with an award. They were described as “lovely people, incredibly community-spirited and put a huge amount of effort into our fundraising events and other aspects of the work in Our Community Kitchen”.

Meanwhile, the curtain comes down on Haddington Festival this weekend with the family fun day in Neilson Park.

Before then, this evening (Thursday) there is a Nungate Gala bingo night in the Nungate Community Centre from 6.30pm. The cost is £13 but no booking is required.

Tomorrow (Friday) there is a children’s silent disco at the same venue. Tickets are £2.50 or two for £4 and can be bought at haddingtonevents.sumupstore.com. A tuck shop selling juice and crisps is available.

Finally, on Saturday, fancy dress judging takes place at Whittingehame Drive from noon before the parade, led by Haddington Pipe Band, sets off at 12.30pm, making its way through the town centre and on to Neilson Park, where the fun day is held.

In the park, there will be everything from table tennis and face-painting to a collection of classic cars and funfair rides.