An outgoing mayor has honored a weekly newspaper editor and reporter for their contribution to the town they server.

Harrogate Advertiser editor Jean MacQuarrie and reporter Finola Fitzpatrick received Community Leadership Awards from Councillor Nick Brown, who has served as Mayor of the Borough of Harrogate.

The awards are handed out to those who show “incredible” community leadership qualities.

Finola’s was awarded for her work on the Advertiser’s Ending Loneliness campaign, which began in October last year, while Jean was commended for her “active role” in the community.

Finola Fitzpatrick with Nick Brown, the outgoing Mayor of Harrogate

After the presentation, she wrote: “I have accepted the award on behalf of all the extraordinarily brave and special people who have come forward and shared their story through the campaign to help end loneliness. I would like to take this opportunity to thank readers for backing the campaign, and it really is fantastic that we now have over 50 organisations supporting it too.

“I firmly believe that the outgoing Mayor himself should be given his own community leadership award. Over the last year Nick Brown has attended over 500 engagements, and his genuine love for our district just radiates from him. As a reporter I have lost count of the number of times I have seen him out attending events I am covering. Watching him at these engagements, he always takes that extra time to speak to everybody and make them feel special – lighting up so many people’s faces.

“I myself remember meeting him in my first week at the Harrogate Advertiser when I was only just finding my feet, after moving away from home and not knowing anybody here.

“He told me I could ring him any time I needed help with anything, and that kind of support so early on in me being here meant the world. I know that my story is not unique, and that his support has been widespread.”

Finola added: “I have to say on a personal level that I am delighted to see Jean being given an award, as she has been a fantastic support to so many trainee reporters like myself over the years, and really cares about playing an active role in our community.”