Alec Lucas died while serving with the Royal Marines in Afghanistan almost six years ago.

The 24-year-old was a talented footballer and turned out for several local teams, including the Rovers, before becoming a Commando.

Since his death on November 24, 2008, Alec’s family and friends have organised a fundraising football tournament across Whitestone Park and neighbouring Kerfield.

And just ahead of this year’s tournament next Saturday (May 31) there will be an unveiling ceremony at the newly-named Alexander Lucas Stand.

A large commemorative plaque has been designed and crafted for inside the stand with a smaller plaque to be positioned on the exterior of the building.

Local stonemason Ger Rossi, who designed and made both plaques, told us: “It has ben an idea at Peebles Rovers for some time to rename the stand after Alec - it is a marvellous idea and one that I was only too happy to support.

“The committee has asked me to unveil the plaques which is an honour.” Since the Alec Lucas Memorial Trust was formed in the months after his death they have raised close to £90,000 for Marines’ charities as well as the support and promotion of local grassroots football.

Alec’s father, Adrian, has been one of the forces behind the Trust.

And he warmly welcomed the proposal by Peebles Rovers to name their stand in his son’s honour. Adrian said: “It is a wonderful thing that they have done and they are keeping Alec’s memory alive. It is a pitch that Alec played on many times.” The unveiling ceremony is scheduled to take place at 10.45 am next Saturday ahead of the annual football tournament.

Teams from all over Peeblesshire as well as the Marines will contest the Alec Lucas Memorial Trophy throughout the day.

Outgoing Rovers chairman Colin MacDonald believes the renaming of the stand is a fitting gesture from his club.

He said: “We have wanted to rename the stand for a number of years and it took a bit of time to make sure it was done right.

“I have seen the plaques and Ger has done a fantastic job.”