Judy Lockhart-Hunter has announced that she is stepping down as chairman of North Berwick Community Council (NBCC) to focus on her family.

She told the Courier that she and her husband Tom were expecting their first child in the spring and she would step down as chair at next month’s meeting of the group but would stay on as a member.

Mrs Lockhart-Hunter was raised in the town and attended North Berwick High School before studying economics and law at university.

She has played a part in the Save the Edington campaign to bring back services to the town’s Edington Cottage Hospital, as well as being a trustee and patron of the Coastal Communities Museum and a member of North Berwick Harbour Trust.

She was also part of the emergency resilience team during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Earlier this year, Mrs Lockhart-Hunter ran as an East Lothian Council candidate for the Conservatives but narrowly missed out on winning a seat.

Speaking to the Courier, Mrs Lockhart-Hunter thanked all her fellow members of the community council and looked forward to handing over the reins to the next chairman.

She said: “I joined NBCC in March 2017 and took over as chairman in November 2018.

“It has been a difficult decision to resign as chairman; however, the position requires a significant time commitment and, going into 2023, I am not certain that I would be in a position to continue to commit as I have done.

“I am not willing to continue in the role if I cannot give it my best.

“Although I am very sad to stand back, 2023 will bring a new and exciting chapter in my life, with my husband and I due our first child in early spring.

“Before I joined NBCC, I had no idea that so many of the fantastic things going on in North Berwick are due entirely to volunteers who dedicate so much time to the town.

“I have been able to get involved in so many activities and I am really proud of the work I have been a part of.

“NBCC is made up of such a dedicated group of individuals who work tirelessly and selflessly for and on behalf of North Berwick. The length of service from some of our members is truly inspiring.

“It has been a real privilege to lead such a group.

“I look forward to passing over the chain of office to my successor at the end of our December meeting and working to support the new chairman from 2023.”

Gordon Moodie, vice-chairman of the group, also confirmed he would be stepping down from his role and resigning from the group to focus on his role as a trustee at North Berwick Trust.

An East Lothian Council spokesperson said: “North Berwick Community Council has an important role in the lives of the town’s residents, businesses and visitors through the initiatives and activities it undertakes.

“Office bearers are key to ensuring that the group operates effectively and meets its duties as an elected and representative body.

“Chairing a community council is a rewarding and challenging role with opportunities to work with a wide range of partners and make a real difference for the area.”