The Fraser Centre has named Stacy Palmer, “a really well known and valued member of our team,” as its Volunteer of the Year.

Stacy, 38, has been volunteering at the centre nearly every Saturday for just over a year, working in the centre’s cinema as an usher and greeter.

She has also been involved in helping out at the centre’s autism-friendly screenings, as well as promoting the centre on social media.

The Well Wynd resident and former Musselburgh Grammar School pupil said she was delighted to be recognised for her work.

She told the Courier: “I was so happy when I got given the award. I didn’t expect it at all. I was buzzing, to be honest.”

Lisa Gray, who works with the local council’s East Lothian Works employability team, helped Stacy, who herself has autism, secure the role at The Fraser Centre.

Stacy said: “Lisa has been a real godsend: she has helped me so much.

“I’ve really liked helping out with the families [at the autism screenings].

“I also do posts on my Facebook.

“I’m always on Facebook.”

The Fraser Centre’s Volunteer of the Year award has been running annually since 2012, voted for by centre staff.

Kara Lindsay, front-of-house supervisor at The Fraser Centre, was delighted to present Stacy with the award.

She said: “Stacy has become a really well known and valued member of our team over the past year.

“She works so hard and it is all voluntary.

“On a Saturday we usually have a family screening and Stacy is just fantastic with families.

“She is really chatty with people and she makes them feel welcome and comfortable and people love seeing her.

“She was also a massive help with our autism-friendly films and the families just love seeing her.”

Kara surprised Stacy with the award earlier this month, when the volunteer was visiting the centre with Lisa, her East Lothian Works support worker.

Kara said: “Stacy had come in with Lisa and we hadn’t told her she had won the award.

“So she was really shocked to be presented with it.

“I think she was delighted and we are delighted to have given it to her.

“There were a few volunteers in contention for the award but we all agreed that the work Stacy has done has been so incredible and is deserving of it.”

Kara praised all of The Fraser Centre’s volunteers, from young students to older people, expressing that the centre could not run without their help.

She said: “Our volunteers are so important.

“We have people in from Ross High who are doing their Duke of Edinburgh as well as a lot of older people who help out when they can.

“It is a really strong team here and we couldn’t do all that we do without them.”

Those interested in volunteering at the Fraser Centre should email them at info@thefrasercentre.com