COMMUNITY heroes who took the extra step to help people during the coronavirus pandemic are being invited to the ceremonial opening of the Scottish Parliament.

Volunteers throughout East Lothian stepped up last year during lockdown to help friends, neighbours and strangers who were struggling.

MSPs are calling on people to nominate ‘local heroes’ to attend the opening in October.

Craig Hoy, South Scotland MSP, also plans to invite a selection of the nominees to the Parliament once Covid restrictions have eased.

Mr Hoy said: “During the pandemic, thousands of volunteers stepped forward to support our communities.

“It is fantastic that Scotland’s MSPs are being invited to identify a Local Hero and I look forward to the support of people to identify who this should be.

“I also look forward to learning more about the huge amount of volunteer work that has been done across the region and to welcoming the people and groups responsible for this hugely important work to our Parliament.”

Go to craighoy.co.uk/localhero