The Fraser Centre has honoured the volunteers who have helped the centre grow with its first Volunteer of the Year event.

Jonathan Russell, who runs the centre as a community trust, had the not so envious task of choosing from one of the 49 volunteers who have helped out at the centre on Winton Place, Tranent.

However, Isabel McNeish was chosen as the stand-out candidate for her endeavours and hard work at the centre throughout the year, collecting a £50 M&S voucher courtesy of M&F Funeral Services.

Isabel, 67, of Wallyford, said: “I never dreamt I’d get it. I must say that it is such a privilege to be awarded something. I volunteer not to get any awards. My actual reward was seeing so many people coming in from all over and enjoying themselves. There has been such a buzz, to be there was all I needed.”

The award proved even more special after Isabel’s husband George passed away in March after having a stroke. The couple volunteered at the centre together.

“It was shock,” she said. “He did a lot (of volunteering). Instead of two of us there is just me doing it.”

Speaking about his decision Jonathan said: “Isabel as been at more or less every event from the start until the lights go out at the end. She is a real help and an inspiration. What great courage and spirit she has shown to get on with life. She is a great example and a real asset.”

Isabel was not the only volunteer commemorated at the event. Saltire Awards won the group award for helping decorate the centre’s small hall, which hosts the Fraser Flix films and coffee mornings. It was the second time the group had contributed to the centre, having decorated the creche in 2011.

Also, Carla Watson was awarded a Christmas hamper which recognised her vital contribution in providing all the publicity for the The Fraser Centre free.

Jonathan added: “Every volunteer is important and thanks to the 40 plus who have contributed in any way, shape or form. If we can keep hold of that vision we can make 2013 as successful or even better.”