Claire plays a starring role with young football hopes

Claire McManus has been named Best Primary School Teacher by the Scottish FA in recognition of her work with grassroots football.

Claire, 25, from Newtongrange, Midlothian, received the McDonald's Scottish FA Grassroots Award at a ceremony at Hampden Park on 21 January.

She said: "It was absolutely phenomenal. I'll remember that night for the rest of my life. I'm so honoured. It's an award for Midlothian, for all the dedicated hard-working staff who help create memorable and enjoyable experiences for the children."

The judges said she caught their attention because she takes responsibility for all of the football programmes at Woodburn Primary School in Dalkeith.

The panel included Scotland legend Kenny Dalglish, who said: "Football in communities is built on the dedication of individuals like Claire."

The event was attended by her proud parents, Mick and Christine, her fiancee Iain McLeod, and the head teacher of her school, Bob McLean.

Inspired by working with ex-Hibs star and football development officer, Keith Wright, on children's football projects, Claire coaches 16 boys and 16 girls at the Woodburn primary after-school football club.

A keen member of her own school football teams at Newtongrange Primary and Lasswade High School, she has been volunteering with various schools and involved with the McDonald's Football in the Community Programme for over four years.

She completed her probation year teaching at St. Mary's Primary School in Bonnyrigg after studying for a degree in history at Edinburgh University and post-graduate teaching qualification at Dundee University.

Claire has been teaching at Woodburn Primary School since August 2009.

Marian Hill has celebrated her 90th birthday with a celebration attended by friends and family.

Marian Hill (nee McMichan) was born in Hawick on 9 January, 1920. She attended St Cuthbert's RC Primary School and thereafter Hawick High School. She left school at the age of 14 and went to work in the thriving textile industry.

Soon after the outbreak of the Second World War, Marian met Douglas Hill, from South Yorkshire, who was serving with the York & Lancaster Regiment and was stationed at nearby Stobs military camp. They married on 22 February, 1940.

Their son, Bill, was born while Douglas was away on active service, their second child, Margaret, was born in December 1947 and in February 1953, another son, Douglas, was born.

In 1959, the family moved to Edinburgh. Douglas worked as a bricklayer and Marian in the textile industry and they also worked together for several years in the licensing trade. She was a popular figure behind the bar of the Drummond Hotel in Drummond Place until it ceased trading.

Sadly, Douglas' health gradually deteriorated and he died in March 2004.

Marian has nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren with another due in May.

She continues to live in Gordon Court where she is very popular with the staff and other residents.