A MUCH-LOVED community figure in Tranent has been presented with her British Empire Medal (BEM).

Isabella 'Isa' Thomson was awarded the honour for her services to community theatre in East Lothian during the King’s Birthday Honours list in June.

She was celebrated at a special ceremony at Tranent's Co-operative Bowling Club on Wednesday (November 20), when Roderick Urquhart, Lord Lieutenant for East Lothian, presented her with the award on behalf of King Charles III.

The award ceremony took place in Isa's home town of Tranent.Isa,77, was joined by family, friends and the Centre Stage team, in a ceremony which she described as “very emotional but really, really lovely.”

She said: “I really enjoyed it, everyone had a lovely time. Everything went perfectly.

“There was that many flowers and stuff I couldn’t bring them home!"

Isa founded based Tranent-based theatre group Centre Stage in 1979 and has been involved ever since.

Initially it was known as ‘Ross High Rugby Club Concert Party’ with a group of around 10  adults involved.

Children joined a few years later and the name was eventually changed.

Isa's award.Now, 45 years later, Centre Stage is a still a hugely popular presence in the town, with a team of around 80 people working hard to produce two shows every year.

The group are looking forward to their Christmas performance of ‘Centre Stage Selection Box’ next week, which cast members and crew behind the scenes have been working hard to put together and get ready for the stage.

READ MORE: Tranent theatre group to put on Christmas variety show

Isa, who has lived in Tranent all her life, added: “The kids are all excited now, costumes are all in bags and ready to go.

“When I started I had to do everything from start to finish.

"I see those times when I had everything to do, but now it’s great that some other people have got that role – so I can sit back a wee bit now and enjoy it!”