Celebrating the heroes of our city

THEY were created to honour people in the Lothians who go above and beyond the call of duty for their community - and those who provide the best pints and fish suppers.

Now the winners of the Edinburgh Evening News' Best of . . . 2010 awards have been announced after more than 14,000 votes were cast by readers across six categories.

A prize-giving ceremony was held at the News' offices in Holyrood Road yesterday afternoon, which representatives from the top three contenders in each category were invited to attend.

The categories in the Post Office-sponsored competition included Best Community Contribution, Best Hibs and Hearts Fan, Best Post Office, Best Bar and Best Fish & Chip Shop. The winner of the Best Community Contribution award received more than 3000 nominations, which was closely followed by the Best Bar winner who had more than 2700 votes.

Tom Little, editor of the Evening News, said: "We created the Best of . . . awards to offer a pat on the back to those who do good things at the heart of the communities of Edinburgh and the Lothians."

BEST COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTION

Mohammed Liton

FATHER-of-three Mohammed Liton has raised more than 3000 in less than two years for a number of causes, including the Edinburgh Sick Kids hospital and children's cancer charity Clic Sargent.

As well as running Penicuik restaurant Clippers since 1997, the 45-year-old from Craigmount and has also recently sponsored the Penicuik Parade and Beeslack Thistle Football Club.

The charity money was raised mainly by holding buffets in the restaurant and donating 50 per cent of the takings.

Mr Liton said he started fundraising to help a family whose daughter was diagnosed with cancer several years ago.

Mr Liton said: "I'm very excited to have won. I love my local people and I like to help them as much as I can."

BEST HIBS FAN

Kelly Tarbet

HIBS fanatic Kelly Tarbet has had a season ticket at Easter Road for around six years.

The 29-year-old has travelled across Scotland to watch her team play and recently returned from Blackpool where she watched John Hughes' men compete in their final pre- season match.

Miss Tarbet, a mum-of-three from Leith, said: "I couldn't believe it. I've never been abroad to watch Hibs but if they had made it further in Europe this year, I would have been there. I'm dedicated to them."

BEST HEARTS FAN

Shirley Ruickbie

WINNER Shirley Ruickbie is so devoted to the club that she was prepared to sit with rival fans in the home end at Easter Road during a recent derby. Her enthusiasm has rubbed off on her son who now accompanies her to games.

She was not available to collect her prize yesterday after narrowly beating lifelong Hearts fan Harry Macdonald, 94, from Drylaw, into second place.

Mr Macdonald said: "I'm a wee bit disappointed not to have won but it's the taking part that is the main thing."

The great-grandfather has supported the Jambos since the 1930s and had a season ticket for nearly 60 years. He had to give his season ticket up at the end of last season.

BEST POST OFFICE

Davidson's Mains, Bill Robertson

GRANDFATHER-of-three Bill Robertson, 67, has owned Davidson's Mains Post Office for around 16 years. He believes providing a good level of service is the key to keeping customers happy.

"I'm absolutely delighted for my staff who work very hard," said Mr Robertson, who lives in Craigleith.

"We have got to be professional, know what we are doing, and do it efficiently and in a human way that customers appreciate."

BEST BAR

The Mercat Bar, Graham Blaikie

OWNER of the Mercat, Graham Blaikie, put the award down to "good food and service". The 32-year-old, who lives in Penicuik, will celebrate the bar's fifth birthday next month.

He said: "I was surprised because each of the other establishments are very busy and well-known in Edinburgh, so I knew I was up against stiff competition."

Mr Blaikie believes catering for all needs may have played a part in the result. "If you want to come in and use a computer and have a coffee, you can," he said. "If somebody wants a breakfast roll or a good quality steak, they can have one."

BEST FISH & CHIP SHOP

L'aurora, Andrea Caira

ANDREA Caira, who has owned L'aurora in Pathhead since 2006, was overjoyed with his award.

The 30-year-old, who is originally from Rome but now lives in Gorebridge, said: "We try to give the best food with the best and fastest service - and with a smile all the time. I think this is the secret.

"I'm so happy to have won because it means the hard work has been appreciated."

Mr Caira said his Main Street Special Fish, which comes with sage and onion breadcrumbs, had proved a real hit with customers.