PEEBLES rugby stalwart Donald Swanson did not want it any other way.

He received his British Empire Medal in the place he has regarded as his second home for 68 years.

More than 80 people packed into Peebles Rugby Club’s Eastgate clubrooms to see the 88-year-old receive his honour from the Queen’s representative, the Lord-Lieutenant of Tweeddale Sir Hew Strachan. Mr Swanson was awarded the BEM in the Queen’s New Year Honours List for his services to rugby in his home town.

“As soon as I heard about the honour I knew that I would like to receive the BEM at the rugby club,” he said. “I feel so proud to have been given the honour in front of all the people I know.

“I could have gone to the Council Chambers instead for this award but I am delighted that I was able to celebrate with my family and friends at the rugby club.” Mr Swanson’s involvement with rugby in Peebles started in 1947 when he heard the words in the High Street, “Hey sojer, dae ye play rugby” and after being told to be at Hay Lodge Park for a 2pm kick off and someone loaning him a pair of boots, the rest is history.

He is an honorary president of the club and other roles have included committee member, fixture secretary, secretary and joint treasurer.

Mr Swanson still videos most of the Peebles first team games for post match analysis, organises post-match raffles and as bar treasurer is a fountain of knowledge about the club’s history, players and characters.

Amongst other achievements, he was presented with the SRU Spirit of Rugby in 2007. followed by a Torch Trophy Trust Award later in same year and was Tweeddale Citizen of the Year in 2007.

Mr Swanson was born in Peebles and has lived in the town all his life apart from when on his national service in Burma. He worked for the Post Office for 47 years. He is married to Violet and has one son, three surviving daughters, four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren but he is determined that family commitments will not stop his involvement with rugby.

“I have got to keep going. I am always telling my wife that it gives me an interest,” he said. “I do it for the love of the game and to see the youngsters coming through.

Mr Swanson also has another regular haunt - the Peebles swimming pool.

“I’ve been going almost every day - except on rugby match days - since I retired in 1991,” he said. “I swim 20 lengths every time - it’s good for me, like the rugby club.”