THE best of East Lothian has been recognised with more than a dozen prizes handed out at the first-ever East Lothian Courier Community Champion Awards.

The event, which took place in Haddington’s Corn Exchange tonight (Thursday), brought together people from throughout the county.

Broadcaster Bryan Burnett highlighted the incredible stories the county has produced in recent years.

The first award was collected by Emma Shepherd, who was recognised for her work alongside pupils at Dirleton Primary School to ensure all waste is correctly recycled.

Due to the efforts of Mrs Shepherd, Dirleton Primary now has a lunchtime scratch club run by one of the pupils.

READ MORE: Live: Best of East Lothian recognised at Courier Community Champion Awards

She was named Champion Teacher of the Year.

The second award of the evening recognised the wealth of sporting talent across East Lothian.

Judges chose Preston Lodge RFC as the winners after a season that saw them promoted back to National League Division Two after just a solitary defeat.

GALLERY: Dozens of pics of all the winners 

Johnston Craig and Jack Gordon were on hand to collect the award, with the duo paying tribute to the efforts of everyone involved at the Prestonpans club.

Fundraiser Jack Tait was named the Youth Community Champion of the Year.

The youngster, from Macmerry, has collected thousands of pounds for the Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity after being inspired by his mum.

 

 

Rounding off the first half of the evening, judges faced the impossible task of choosing the Little Champion of the Year.

In the end, each of Annalise Kelly, Bodhi Watson, Flora Gentleman and Ruaridh Muir shared the honour.

Seven awards were presented after a three-course meal, further recognising the efforts of the best of East Lothian.

John Rudyj, who was named the Health and Care Award winner, has served his local community over the years as an ambulance technician in the Scottish Ambulance Service, based out of the Haddington station.

 

 

He described receiving the prize as “the cherry on top”.

The Green Champion Award went to Libby Morris, of North Berwick in Bloom, who was, unfortunately, unable to attend.

The team of green-fingered volunteers were joint winners of the prestigious Rosebowl at the Beautiful Scotland Awards for their work making the town look stunning.

The Charity Champion award went to The Haven - Edinburgh Children's Hospital Charity, who missed out on an award earlier in the evening but was a popular winner this time round.

It was not just awards on the night, though.

There were performances by East Linton Community Choir, Haddington Pipe Band, Preston Lodge High School Pipe Band and The Goats’ Toes.

Fittingly, the quartet were the finalists in the Live Music Award, with Haddington Pipe Band scooping the top prize.

The penultimate award was the Heart of Gold, which recognised those that went above and beyond.

Again, judges had a tough decision to make before handing over the prize to pupil support worker at Dunbar Grammar School Kirsty McLuckie.

Dinner at DGS (Dunbar Grammar School) brings together schoolchildren and older members of the community.

The final award of the evening was the Community Champion of the Year.

Fittingly, it went to a man who has been involved in several community groups.

Karl Cleghorn has been involved in Musselburgh Horticultural Society, Musselburgh Athletic Football Club and is presently involved in assisting The Hollies to help it become sustainable.

Many thanks to sponsors East Coast Buses; Puremalt; SSE Renewables: Berwick Bank Windfarm; and Sustainable Facilities Management.