The year is nearly out - so we thought this would be a great chance to look back at some of the stories we covered throughout 2023.

We are starting today with a look at the first third of the year - from January to April - with more instalments still to come.

How many of these stories do you recall being covered in the Herald?

January

Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald: Alan Bell was awarded an MBE in the New Years honours list.Alan Bell was awarded an MBE in the New Years honours list. (Image: Contributed)

The year began - as it always does - with the new years honours list announced, and there was a very familiar name within this.

The founder of an Ardrossan-based charity The Scottish Centre for Personal Safety - Alan Bell - was awarded an MBE for his services to vulnerable people.

Alan was "thrilled" to receive the honour following 25-years of dedicated service to the charity at the Barony Centre.

READ THE FULL STORY: Ardrossan charity founder made an MBE in New Year honours list

Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald: Ricky Little has now played over ten seasons with Arbroath FC - despite living in Kilwinning.Ricky Little has now played over ten seasons with Arbroath FC - despite living in Kilwinning. (Image: Staff)

How about this for dedication? January also saw Arbroath defender Ricky Little offered a testimonial to celebrate his ten years with the club.

The catch? The defender lives in Kilwinning - meaning he has a 250-mile round trip for every 'home' match.

His loyalty and dedication to the club was hailed as "truly remarkable" as the club prepared to honour the stalwart North Ayrshire man.

READ THE FULL STORY: Ricky Little: Arbroath defender from Kilwinning offered testimonial

February

Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald: Colin Hay posed proudly in the Saltcoats street named after him.Colin Hay posed proudly in the Saltcoats street named after him. (Image: Colin Hay)

He comes from a land down under - well, actually, Men at Work star Colin Hay comes from right here in Saltcoats.

One of the town's most famous musicians was back home for a show in nearby Irvine in February.

He took some time out in his trip to capture a snap alongside a new street named in his honour.

READ THE FULL STORY: Colin Hay shares delight as Saltcoats street is named in his honour

Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald: Robert Thornton holds the World Senior Darts Championship trophy aloft after retaining his title at Circus Tavern.Robert Thornton holds the World Senior Darts Championship trophy aloft after retaining his title at Circus Tavern. (Image: BBC)

February also brought delight for Stevenston darts ace Robert Thornton.

As he played in only the second ever World Senior Darts Championship 'The Thorn' lifted the title which he had also won in its inaugural year.

In winning the tournament, Thornton picked up the £30,000 grand prize.

READ THE FULL STORY: Three Towns darts star Robert describes emotions after retaining world senior title

March

Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald: Plans were revealed for a mosque and community centre at the old Barony St John’s building.Plans were revealed for a mosque and community centre at the old Barony St John’s building. (Image: Archive)

In March the Herald revealed that plan's for North Ayrshire's first-ever mosque were in the works.

It came after the former Barony St John’s Church was purchased by the Al-Farooq Education and Community Centre (AFECC).

The Glasgow-based charity had launched a fundraising campaign, in a bid to save and revive the dilapidated former parish church. 

READ THE FULL STORY: Ardrossan mosque plans revealed for former Barony St John's Church

Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald: Barbara Elliott was still working away as she celebrated her 80th birthday.Barbara Elliott was still working away as she celebrated her 80th birthday. (Image: Submitted)

Three Towns woman Barbara Elliott also celebrated her 80th birthday in March. 

But it was not one that she celebrated with her feet up at home - as she is still working hard in her role as a nurse at Stevenston Group Practice.

Colleagues paid tribute to the "fantastic, inspirational woman" as she celebrated the milestone birthday on March 13.

READ THE FULL STORY: Meet the 'inspirational' Three Towns nurse still working at the age of 80

April

Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald: Saltcoats outdoor pool concept design

April saw us given our first ever look at concept designs for the revival of Saltcoats' outdoor bathing pool.

The design proposals were unveiled to the public for the first time at a consultation event at Saltcoats Town Hall.

Around 120 people were present - all eager to have a first look at the plans, said to have been influenced by designs from Scandinavia and Australia.

READ THE FULL STORY: Saltcoats outdoor pool: Concept design plans unveiled at meeting

Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald: Our camera club were out in force as they looked to work out who was filming in Stevenston.Our camera club were out in force as they looked to work out who was filming in Stevenston. (Image: Suzanne Kean)

There was excitement and intrigue in Stevenston as film crews descended on the town.

The teams were spotted down the Ardeer Industrial Estate - and believed to be filming scenes for hit BBC show Vigil.

Those scenes have now featured in the second series of the show which aired this month.

READ THE FULL STORY: Stevenston: Filming believed to be for BBC series Vigil taking place