Rotary International celebrated its 111th birthday earlier this month and Gala Rotary marked the occasion by making awards to two people who have each made an enormous contribution to the local community.

Judith Cleghorn was recently appointed Chair of Galashiels Community Council but has served the community for many years as Chair of Langlee Residents’ Association and the Focus Community Centre as well as many other commitments.

John Gray is a weel kent figure around the town and ‘Champion’ of Galashiels. He has had a life long association with Gala Rugby Club and is a Past President of the Braw Lads Gathering who also is involved with many other groups around the town as well as being a Rotarian.

Both Judith and John were awarded Paul Harris Fellowships.

Speaking to the Border Telegraph, Judith said: “It was a complete surprise. I was invited for dinner at the Rotary and had no inkling this was coming.

“It is nice to get the recognition, but the positive changes we have brought about via the Langlee Residents Association, Gala Waterways, Gala in Bloom and Galashiels Community Council has been a genuine team effort, and is thanks to the hardwork and dedication of many volunteers.”

Paul Harris was the founder of Rotary. His initial goal was to create a club of professional and business men for friendship and fellowship.

While he served as President of the Chicago Rotary Club in 1907, the club initiated its first public service project, the construction of public toilets in Chicago. This step transformed Rotary into the world's first Service Club.

Rotary International created the Paul Harris Fellowship award in memory of him. It has been a practice of many clubs to award Fellowships in appreciation of service to the club or the local, national or international community.

It is an award that can awarded to local people who, while not being members of Rotary, are judged to have made an outstanding contribution to their community.