Community News: Pharmacist scoops prized chemist gong

Ms MacPherson said: "The main issue was patient safety, so I decided to make changes to help staff find stock. I'm pleased to contribute to the pharmacy and the community."

She increased awareness about the minor ailments service and runs a smoking cessation scheme.

Auction raises 2600 for kids

The Rutland, House of Fraser and Jenners raised 2600 for Children in Need at a fashion show and auction last week.

The auction, on Wednesday, saw one bidder pay 650 for "Chef for the night". Rutland head chef David Haetzman will cook in the bidder's own home for a party of ten people.

New nursing chief unveiled

A NEW nursing chief has been appointed to oversee regulation in the Lothians.

The Nursing and Midwifery Council has made Cathy Cairns its assistant director in Scotland and Northern Ireland, based in Edinburgh.

She is aiming to hear more about the issues affecting nurses in the area.

Council service 'exceptional'

A FIRST point of contact for people calling Edinburgh City Council has been described as "dynamic and exceptional".

The Contact Centre, part of the corporate services department, has been successfully accredited to Customer Service Excellence.

Tony's tops in pizza awards

Leith Walk's La Favorita restaurant, owned by Tony Crolla, has scooped the Independent Platinum Award for Pizza Restaurant of the Year at the Pizza, Pasta and Italian Food Association Awards. The eaterie saw off competition from Glasgow's Bar Napoli.

Shoppers show big hearts with donations

More than 500 bags of goods, worth the cash equivalent of more than 10,000, have been donated to Fort Kinnaird shopping park's BIG Donation event in aid of the British Heart Foundation.

As part of the BHF's stock appeal, city shoppers donated second-hand items including clothing, toys and CDs to help replenish the charity's shops.

Fort Kinnaird centre manager Liam Smith said: "To have 513 bags donated, and cash contributions, will help make an enormous difference to thousands in Edinburgh."

Shark dive is some-fin else for DJ Garry

DJ Garry Spence fulfilled a lifetime ambition when he swam with sharks at Deep Sea World in North Queensferry.

The Galaxy Scotland drivetime presenter took the plunge in the aquarium's Underwater Safari display recently under the expert supervision of Deep Sea World divers.

During the dive, he was surrounded by three-metre sand tiger sharks, giant stingrays, conger eels and thousands of other fish, as well as providing an unexpected extra exhibit for visitors.