We’ve had a great response to our first ever Community Champion Awards, with many deserving nominations coming in, and we’re grateful to everyone who have been in touch so far with their recommendations.

But we want to make sure we’ve heard from as many people as possible so nobody misses out.

If you haven’t nominated someone you think is deserving of an award, please get in touch as soon as possible as nominations close next Thursday (March 28).

READ MORE: Nominate your East Lothian Courier Community Champions now!

We’re so excited to be hosting what should be a really special event for the first time – it will be a huge privilege to celebrate all our local heroes who go above and beyond to lift spirits and make our lives a little brighter.

It’s been a pleasure to read the nominations for our unsung heroes across a multitude of categories and we’re looking forward to giving some of them their moment in the limelight and richly deserved plaudits for their achievements at our awards night in Haddington Corn Exchange on Thursday, May 30.

There are 11 different categories covering all sorts of achievements.

Do you know a local singer or band who puts their heart and soul into every performance? Why not put them forward for our Live Music Award – and if they are chosen as finalists, they’ll also get the incredible opportunity to perform live to a packed audience at our awards gala, a great chance for even more exposure.

Or perhaps you know an individual who strives to improve their local area for the benefit of everyone who lives and works there, championing sustainability and making it a more attractive place for us all? They could have what it takes to pick up our Green Champion Award.

Is there a local sports club or sportsperson whose incredible impact on or off the pitch makes you proud? Put them forward for the Sporting Champion of the Year award and they could have something else to celebrate.

What about our amazing healthcare workers, whose work often goes unrecognised but whose contribution is so vital? Our Health & Care Award is designed to recognise individuals and teams who do so much for us.

And then there’s our Heart of Gold award, which will go to someone whose actions, achievements, courage or bravery have touched the lives of others and made a difference. Do you know someone who fits the bill? Let us know and they could be picking up this special recognition for their selfless efforts.

There’s plenty more awards you can make nominations for too – see the full list on this page.

We’re also delighted to have the support of generous sponsors East Coast Buses, Sustainable Facilities Management and SSE Renewables Berwick Bank Wind Farm.

A spokesperson for SSE Renewables Berwick Bank Wind Farm, which is sponsoring the Youth Community Champion Award, said: “It is fantastic young community heroes are being recognised by the East Lothian Courier Community Champion Awards this year.

“SSE Renewables would strongly encourage any final nominations for Youth Community Champion Award and are delighted to be sponsoring this particular category, with so many young people in East Lothian doing brilliant things for their community. Very best of luck to all the entrants.”

While David Walker, managing director of Sustainable Facilities Management, which is sponsoring the Green Champion Award, urged people to nominate “remarkable individuals who are driving change at the grassroots level”.

READ MORE: East Lothian Courier Community Champion Awards: Mum’s nomination shock

He added: “At Sustainable Facilities Management, we believe in recognising and celebrating those who go above and beyond to make a positive impact in their communities.

“That’s why we’ve chosen to support the Green Champion Award, as it aligns perfectly with our values and mission.

“Our business finds it crucial to support this category because it embodies the essence of what we stand for: sustainability and community engagement.

“By recognising and celebrating these individuals, we not only honour their achievements but also inspire others to take action and contribute to a more sustainable future.”

We will have awards given out in all 11 categories at our Community Champion Awards night and, if you know someone you believe should be recognised, go to our website newsquestscotlandevents.com/events/eastlothiancommchamp to nominate your community champions or give Alana Massie, events manager, a call for more information on 07702 807008, or email alana.massie@newsquest.co.uk

Please get in touch, we look forward to hearing from you and to giving your unsung heroes the recognition they deserve.

All the award categories

ENTREPRENEURIAL AWARD

This category celebrates a person or a business who has demonstrated a special entrepreneurial flair and has turned this passion to help grow their local community.

SPORTING CHAMPION OF THE YEAR

For a local club/individual who is making an impact in local sport, either on the pitch or off it. Who is the beating heart of local sport?

CHAMPION TEACHER OF THE YEAR

Everyone remembers their favourite teacher. This award recognises teachers who are bringing learning to life by engaging and inspiring all children and young people to fulfil their potential.

COMMUNITY CHAMPION OF THE YEAR – sponsored by East Coast Buses

Rewarding a local individual, 18 years and upwards, who goes out of their way to help those around them – someone whose actions are a force for good in the community who we all benefit from making our community a better place.

YOUTH COMMUNITY CHAMPION AWARD – sponsored by SSE Renewables Berwick Bank Wind Farm

We are looking for a young person between the ages of 13 and 18 who volunteers and makes a significant contribution to their local community. We know youngsters sometimes get a bad reputation. Tell us now about the young people whose hearts are in the right place.

HEART OF GOLD

This award goes to someone who has made a contribution of outstanding significance to East Lothian. We will be recognising an adult whose actions, achievements, courage or bravery have touched the lives of others and made a difference – someone special who truly has a heart of gold.

HEALTH & CARE AWARD

The Health & Care Award will recognise the incredible health and care workers, both at individual and team level, who are at the heart of our local community.

LITTLE CHAMPION OF THE YEAR

To recognise an outstanding child up to and including the age of 12 whose achievements, courage or bravery make your heart burst with pride.

CHARITY CHAMPION OF THE YEAR

When it comes to charity, East Lothian is as big-hearted as you can get. This award is for an individual or group who has dedicated their lives to supporting an amazing cause – a chance to recognise the incredible work they undertake tirelessly.

GREEN CHAMPION AWARD – sponsored by Sustainable Facilities Management

This award aims to recognise an individual who strives to improve their local areas for the benefit of everyone who lives and works there. They will demonstrate the contribution they have made to their local community whilst championing sustainability. It could be through regular clean-ups, eco-friendly initiatives or gardening – the sky is the limit!

LIVE MUSIC AWARD

This award will go to a local singer, band or group who puts their heart and soul into every performance, whose talent makes us all extremely proud. Our finalists will have the opportunity to perform live at the awards gala.