RETIRED GP Agnes Durie has been selected as East Lothian’s local hero for her "colossal contribution" as a fundraising volunteer.

Agnes, who was born in Pencaitland, recently celebrated 25 years of volunteering with Muirfield Riding Therapy (MRT).

She has single-handedly raised more than £250,000 for the charity, based in West Fenton, helping it to continue to offer "life-changing" services free of charge for anyone who needs them.

Agnes, 68, said: “The friendship and support from the MRT team is great. I can’t believe it’s been 25 years!

“It is a charity that achieves a lot for many people of different abilities and I feel proud to be part of it.”

READ MORE: Muirfield Riding Therapy summer show proves a success

Dr Durie was nominated by the charity to be the local hero for East Lothian for her selfless work.

She will accompany East Lothian MSP Paul McLennan to the Scottish Parliament’s 25th anniversary celebrations on September 28, where they will be joined by local heroes from across Scotland.

In the nomination, which was submitted by Deborah McLaughlin, fundraising manager for MRT, Agnes is described as “an all-around creative who has honed her skills as a baker, crafter and gardener, has given many hours to volunteering and uses her own resources to support the community-built and led organisation year on year”.

Agnes' fundraising efforts have raised £250,000 for the charity

Agnes added: “I prefer to work behind the scenes and getting this award is definitely out of my comfort zone but I feel honoured to be chosen, as there are many others who deserve it more."

Meanwhile she raised a family, has helped her husband run their farm, and had a very busy working life.

She worked as a local GP at Gullane Medical Centre for 23 years before hanging up her stethoscope in 2018.

Dr Durie told the Courier: "I'm really quite embarrassed about the whole thing!"

Commenting on the announcement, Mr McLennan said: “We received so many wonderful nominations from across the county and it filled me with such joy to see people nominate folk they felt deserving of recognition.

“In the end, Agnes stood out to me for her colossal contribution, which has spanned a quarter of a century.

“I am beyond impressed at her selflessness, community spirit and humility.

"I am told she has raised all this money quietly, never seeking praise or recognition – to me this is tremendous and I think Agnes is highly worthy of recognition now at this special celebration.

“I have reached out to all other nominees and have arranged a separate lunch so they too are celebrated and receive recognition for being an East Lothian local hero.”