East Livingston and East Calder - news

Third time lucky for Masters champion

Kirkliston bowler John Aitken has won the West Lothian Bowling Association's 'Masters' Trophy for the third time in nine years.

He defeated Bryan Cooper of Bathgate 21-16 in the final at Pumpherston Bowling Green on Sunday, 27 July.

John was presented with his trophy by MSP Fiona Hyslop.Margaret's boots are made for walking

A West Lothian pensioner who took steps to keep herself active has been rewarded for her efforts.

Margaret McKenna was presented with a certificate on Tuesday, 29 July, in recognition of completing 100 walks with the 'Put Your West Foot Forward' scheme.

Former nurse Margaret took up walking three years ago.

• Put Your West Foot Forward offers a programme of led walks and encourages people to be more active through walking. Further information can be obtained from Rili Craig, health walk development officer, on 01506 775207

Appeal for community help as shop assistant strikes back

A brave Pumpherston shop assistant fended off a would-be armed robber who attempted to hold up his store.

Now police are hoping members of the local community can help them track down the suspect.

They're appealing for witnesses to the incident, in Uphall Station Road, Pumpherston, about 9.30pm on Thursday, 31 July, to come forward.

In defending himself, the shop assistant was able to grab hold of a metal bar and strike the suspect who made off from the store.

The suspect is described as: 15 years, 5ft 10ins, slim build, wearing a grey/black camouflaged jacket with a hood and attached sand mask with dark coloured goggles, black tracksuit bottoms.

• Any witnesses are asked to get in touch with Livingston Police Station on 01506 431200.

Crowning glory at gala

Craigshill gala day will now have crowns fit for its king and queen when the big day takes place on 23 August.

For after the gala was resurrected, it was discovered that the crowns and robes were missing.

And last year, the committee had to beg and borrow from other galas in the area.

But now, after running a competition to have new ones designed, committee chairman Anne Combe reckons they'll last for at least the next 20 years.

Letham Primary School pupil Zak Morrison's design was chosen for the king's crown. And the design submitted by Howden St Andrew's pupil Julie Campbell was chosen for the queen.

The pupils were presented with their prizes by Anne Combe (left) and Cathy Houliston, chair of Craigshill Community Council.

The winning designs were chosen by a representative from the Royal Lyceum. Local artist Marion Curle made the crown's from Zak and Julie's designs.

Love strikes at Letham Primary

Love struck at Letham Primary School, Craigshill, where support assistant Ann Whitelaw and janitor Sandy Gray first set eyes on each other.

And romance was set to blossom.

For the couple were recently married at Pumpherston Golf Club.