TRIBUTES have been paid to one of Borders rugby's great characters.

Former Melrose president and honorary secretary John Reed died on Sunday following a short illness.

Trevor Jackson, current president of the Greenyards club, was amongst the the first to pay tribute. He said: "John was a committed supporter of the club and served it in many capacities for more than quarter of a century, starting off with the youth committee when his sons Brian and Mike began playing, serving as a popular president, and ending as honorary secretary.

"John was ably and enthusiastically supported by his wife Alison, even down to supplying table decorations for the lunches."

Away from the rugby ground Mr Reed was a partner vet at Reed Brown and Cameron.

Mr Jackson added: "I personally had a longstanding family connection with him and Alison, and it was John who invited me to follow Mike Bleasdale as president.

"We offer our deepest condolences to his family, and he will be sorely missed."