UNSUNG heroes were honoured as the first ever Pride of Prestonpans awards took place on Friday evening.
About 100 people attended the event at the community centre, with three awards being handed out, while many others were also celebrated for their hard work in the community.
The event was organised by Prestonpans Community Council and there were three award categories on the night: under-18s, over-18s and groups.
READ MORE: Trophies revealed for first Pride of Prestonpans Awards
First up on the stage were the members of the Prestonpans Beach Clean, as they took home the group award.
Members meet up once a month to clean the sand dunes at the town's beach, filling bags of rubbish with everything and anything found there.
Julie Ann Wright, founder of the group, said: "People of Prestonpans have pitched up every month in all weathers, we are just bewildered and just don't understand how it came to be to be awarded this.
"It is a lot of hard work, we didn't really think people were paying attention to us but we really appreciate that note of recognition.
"In the future, we are hoping others people and members come along more regularly."
Preston Lodge Rugby Club was highly commended for all the club's efforts with the community and involving people in the sport.
Second up on the stage were pupils from the Preston Lodge Breakfast Club.
Members of the group have volunteered their time running the organisation during their lunch hours and they took home the under-18 award.
"None of us expected it, when they called our name we were all like 'ohhh, that is exciting'!"
Martha was joined on stage by Eve Combe, Leah Glynn in Emma Jamieson; fellow pupils Robert Warburton and Shakira Zarar also volunteer their time but were unable to attend to pick up their certificates.
Lexi Duncan was also highly commended for her volunteer work with the Pennypit Trust sports and lunch clubs.
Last up on the stage was Heather Forgan, as her regular volunteering work at Cuthill Park Community Garden saw her take home the over-18 award.
She added: "There are so many people who should be recognised for their efforts.
"I have just been doing my bit and there are so many others who do their bit as well.
"These awards were just brilliant recognition for people, but I am delighted to be awarded this."
Fiona Crombie was also highly commended for her community activism around local planning issues.
During the evening, there were also honourable mentions, including:
- Angela Davie for her extensive community work and activities with the Pennypit Community Development Trust;
- Arran Johnston for his role in the continued restoration and revival of the Town Hall while leading the Battle of Prestonpans 1745 Heritage Trust;
- Tony Mohan for service above and beyond the ordinary as a local taxi driver; and
- Kevin Young for his work leading the Prestonpans DadsWork SCIO.
Joseph Simpson, community councillor and the lead organiser of the event, said: "It was wonderful to see so many people come to celebrate the heroes of Prestonpans, to see all the smiles and faces of the nominees and the winners.
"So I think it was a big success and we are already looking forward to next year."
DJ Johnston-Smith, community council chairperson, said: "It was a fabulous event, it was great to see so many people at it and so many here to celebrate.
"I think next year we will be looking for a sponsor, to see if we can get a little funding to offset some of the costs.
"Next year we also hope to see much more nominations, but fabulous event this year."
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