A North Berwick stalwart has been honoured for her work at the town’s day centre with a special plaque.

Elma Danks, 85, who has previously served as chair of the North Berwick Day Centre management committee, was given the special honour at a party for volunteers at the centre on Friday.

Elma played a vital role in getting the centre opened more than 20 years ago and has had an active role with the centre ever since.

During the party, Chris Duncanson, chair of the centre, thanked all the volunteers for the work they did, announcing that Elma was the special guest before bringing her outside with other guests to unveil a special plaque on the wall of the building in her name.

The plaque reads: “Whilst you enjoy this beautiful garden, take a moment to thank Mrs Elma Danks MBE. Without her vision, determination and commitment we would not have the day centre we have today. Thank you Elma.”

Elma told the Courier: “I couldn’t believe it when they told me. I don’t know how they kept it a secret so long.

“It was really special and everyone was so kind. It is fantastic to see how far the centre has come.

“Everyone seems to love coming here and it is a fabulous place.

“But it was a team effort to get the centre open. We worked together over the years to make it happen and those people deserve credit too.

“We all worked together hand in hand.”

Elma still volunteers at the centre and is also an elder at the town’s Abbey Church.

Before the day centre opened, Elma was involved in groups for the elderly and people with dementia that met in the community centre and Hope Rooms. Elma helped prove to East Lothian Council the need for a day centre.