Best Awards 2011: Hard work and kind hearts are just Capital

THEY were designed to honour the hard-working people across the Lothians for all they give to the community - as well as those who put in the effort to serve the best pints and takeaways.

Now the winners of the Edinburgh Evening News' Best of . . . 2011 awards have been announced, after more than 5000 votes were cast by readers across six categories.

A prize-giving was held at the News' offices in Holyrood Road yesterday afternoon for representatives of the top two contenders in each category.

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The categories in the Edinburgh Airport-sponsored awards included Best Community Project, Best Sports Fan, Best Youth Initiative Scheme, Best School Champion, Best Pub and Best Takeaway.

Tom Little, editor of the Evening News, said: "The awards are designed to celebrate the best of daily life here in Edinburgh and in the Lothians, and as such they reflect the hubs of modern life."

Head of communications at Edinburgh Airport, Gordon Robertson, added: "We asked the Edinburgh public who makes a difference in their lives, and the winners are all exceptional representatives of our communities.

"They all show Edinburgh in a great light and it's great to be able to thank them for that."

Best Community Project

Father-of-three Mohammed Liton has raised more than 4000 in less than three years for causes including the Sick Kids hospital and children's cancer charity Clic Sargent.

The 46-year-old from East Craigs recently raised 400 for Penicuik On Parade by holding an Indian tapas night at his restaurant, Clippers, in the town. He said: "It's wonderful to win the award and I don't know how to thank the people who voted."

BEST SPORTS FAN

Hearts fanatic Frank Morton has only missed a handful of games since becoming a season ticket holder at Tynecastle at the age of ten.

He has travelled the world to see the Jambos play. The 56-year-old, from Loanhead, said: "I have been to every single European game since Hamburg in 1986. I think I may have been to the most Hearts European away games since 1986."

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Mr Morton said he was a bit embarrassed about winning the award but joked that he was glad he had beaten runner-up Graham Rooney - a Hibs fan.

Best Youth Initiative

The Quest, which is run by brother and sister Peter and Sarah Airlie and 24-year-old Catherine McMillan, brings young people across north Edinburgh together and organises visits to other parts of the city, as well as encouraging the youths to take pride in their area.

Sarah, 23, who lives in Drylaw, said: "The Quest has been running in north Edinburgh on and off for ten years. One of the original organisers was our (Sarah and Peter's] dad.Last year we decided to bring it back to life."

On winning the award, 20-year-old Peter said: "I can't keep the smile off my face."

Best School Champion

George Paraskevakis, a janitor at St Peter's RC Primary School, Morningside, had his efforts praised by First Minister Alex Salmond for battling through the snow every day to ensure the school remained open during the winter.

The 64-year-old from Tollcross, who is employed by public service provider Amey, made the 55-minute journey through thick snow on foot, going above and beyond the call of duty during Scotland's third-coldest winter since 1914.

The grandfather-of-eight said: "It's great to win the award and it is a good feeling because in ten months' time, I intend to retire while I'm still fit and spend some time with my wife, Morag."

Best Pub

Caf Habana, which serves the Capital's LGBT community, saw off competition from last year's winner the Mercat to take the title.

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Owner Lorraine Rourke, 54, a mother-of-two, put the award down to the staff and in particular, manager Gordon "Mr Habana" Creelie. "He is the face of Caf Habana," she said. "I'm absolutely ecstatic to win the award, I am totally thrilled and I cannot thank my customers enough."

BEST TAKEAWAY

MOHAMMED Liton picked up his second award in the competition, this time for Penicuik restaurant Clippers, which he has been running since 1997. He beat competition from last year's winner, fish and chip shop L'aurora in Pathhead.

"I have never won two awards at the same time," he said. "I think people voted for Clippers because of the good food and good service."

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