IN JUST three weeks’ time, the East Lothian Courier will celebrate the people who make such a positive difference to the lives of others and our communities.

Our Community Champion Awards night takes place at Haddington Corn Exchange on Thursday, May 30, when we will reveal the winners in categories covering everything from sport to business, and teaching to charities.

East Lothian Courier: East Lothian Courier Community Champion Awards logo

Last month, our judging panel had the difficult task of deciding the finalists for our awards, and the task of choosing the winners was no easier.

Now we can’t wait to recognise the people who make our communities a better place – every one of our finalists certainly does that.

Courier editor Robbie Scott said: “There are so many people in our towns and villages who, week after week, year after year, step up to help those less fortunate than themselves, giving their time and efforts to make other people’s lives better.

“We’d like to thank everyone who took the time to submit a nomination, as well as everyone who was nominated for everything they do for their communities, and we’re excited to highlight the great efforts of all our finalists. I’d also like to give a special mention to our awards sponsors, without whom none of this would be possible.”

The Community Champion Awards are generously sponsored by East Coast Buses; PureMalt; SSE Renewables; and Sustainable Facilities Management.

East Lothian Courier: The East Lothian Courier Community Champion Awards are sponsored by East Coast Buses, PureMalt, SSE Renewables Berwick Bank Wind Farm, and Sustainable Facilities Management

Tickets for the awards evening, hosted by TV and radio personality Bryan Burnett, can be purchased online via: bit.ly/3xLbNeZ

Here’s a look at all the finalists for the Health & Care Award:

Harlawhill Day Care Centre

East Lothian Courier: Harlawhill Day Centre

HARLAWHILL Day Care Centre in Prestonpans supports frail and elderly people in the community.

The support of the community, volunteers and donations from local people also play a very important part in making Harlawhill such a special place.

The Haven

East Lothian Courier: The Haven is based at the Fraser Centre, Tranent. Inset: Roslyn Neely, CEO of ECHC

THE Haven is a service which aims to tackle the mental health crisis facing young people.

Developed by Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity (ECHC), The Haven wellbeing and resilience service, which is based at The Fraser Centre in Tranent, is available to families living within the catchment area of Ross High School.

It aims to support families with children struggling with their mental health.

The Out-Patient Endoscopy Team at East Lothian Community Hospital

East Lothian Courier: The endoscopy team at the East Lothian Community Hospital have made history

THIS team is based at the East Lothian Community Hospital in Haddington.

They have become the first NHS Scotland outpatient endoscopy unit within a territorial health board area to be recognised in quality endoscopy care by the Joint Advisory Group on Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (JAG), an immensely prestigious honour.

John Rudyj

East Lothian Courier: John Rudyj

JOHN has served his local community over the years as an ambulance technician in the Scottish Ambulance Service, based out of the Haddington station.

Over the years, he has received commendations from patients who he has tended to in both distressing and happy moments.