A BUSINESSMAN who delivered 3,000 meals to people in need during lockdown has been named a High Street Hero.

Brian Young was among those highlighted for their remarkable work for East Lothian residents during difficult times.

The dedication of people to support those around them in the pandemic was celebrated as part of Scotland Loves Local’s High Street Heroes Awards.

In East Lothian, Mr Young, who has run East Coast Carpets, which has branches in Prestonpans and Tranent, for 11 years, was crowned the regional champion, while Harlawhill Day Care Centre and Pamela Fraser received highly commended accolades.

Mr Young, who lives in Tranent and helped with the town’s resilience efforts, told the Courier he was “very proud” to receive the award.

The 56-year-old delivered thousands of meals to those in need and he said: “I was happy to help but it also helped to keep me sane through these unprecedented times.

“It was a great feeling being able to help people in need of essential items and also to be a part of the team of helpers who worked tirelessly every day to make sure no one went without.

“I am extremely happy to be receiving this award and feel we all worked as part of a local team in which I made a lot of new friends.”

Nominations for Harlawhill Day Care Centre, on Prestonpans’ East Loan, noted that its closure in March “was a devastating loss to clients”.

Judges were told: “Staff decided that while the clients may be isolating they would not be isolated.

“They organised telephone buddies for every member to make sure that they had someone to talk to every week.

“As the days and weeks went on, regular deliveries such as Sunday dinners, afternoon teas and treats were brought to their homes.

“On VE Day, staff dressed up and visited several streets where they sang, danced, and entertained clients outside.

“Harlawhill is a true star of Prestonpans.”

Pamela Fraser is part of Cockenzie and Port Seton Community Council.

Judges were told: “She volunteered as the Single Point of Contact for the local resilience team and gave a huge amount of time, organising and supporting 120 volunteer drivers that delivered more than 11,000 meals during lockdown. On VE Day, she oversaw an afternoon tea in a box for older people.

“Pam took care to develop interventions that worked for people in the community – giving those shielding or financially impacted by the pandemic the support they needed.

“She set up a JustGiving page which raised over £4,000 for the community council to assist with the costs of the support offered between late March and the middle of August.

“Pam also organised the weekly ‘ResilDance’ initiative which gave volunteers the opportunity to dance every Saturday, socially distanced, so that this could be posted online and raise awareness of the work being undertaken by the broader resilience team.”

Named as High Street Heroes were: Allan Sneddon, Prestonpans Resilience Group; Andrew Dowds, EasyPC, Haddington; Caroline Bacigalupo and team, BaxterStorey with RBS/Natwest; Davie Martin (community service); Derek Cowan, Royal Mail postman, Dunbar; Fiona Mitchell and staff, Harlawhill Day Care Centre, Prestonpans; Jack Robertson and staff, Coalgate pub, Ormiston; Jane Russell and team, East Lothian Sunday Fresh Chicken Dinners; Mhairri Duxberry, Mint Fig, Musselburgh; Mike Lemmon, Mikes Bikes, Haddington; Musselburgh & Inveresk Community Council/Covid-19 volunteers; Sheila Ross, Wonky Dunbar Scrubs; Shona Robertson Brash, Links Road Garage, Port Seton; Anderson’s Family Butchers, North Berwick; Animal Magic Pet Supplies Team, Haddington; East Coast Snacks, Tranent; East Lothian Roots and Fruits (inc. Pamela McKinlay, Elphinstone); Humbie Hub; Irvines Home Hardware, Haddington; J.S Main, Haddington; Knox’s Newsagent & Garden Centre, Dunbar; Mungoswells Malt and Milling; Nisa Local, North Berwick; Radio Saltire; Spar shop, Pencaitland; The Community Crunchy Carrot (and team), Dunbar; The Prestoungrange Gothenburg, Prestonpans.