TWO long-serving stalwarts of Melrose Rugby have been rewarded with Honorary Life Memberships.

Outgoing President Douglas Hardie and former secretary Gordon Chisholm were given the honours during the club's recent AGM.

Looking back over his tenure as President Mr Hardie thanked volunteers and members for their support and handed over the reins to Douglas Brown for the next two years.

Grant Hogg was appointed as Vice President.

During the Greenyards AGM last Thursday the club's Board of Directors stepped down, allowing resolutions to be amended before they were voted back in by the members.

Gordon Brown resumes as Chairman, with the Vice Chairman's position being held by Andy Purves.

Hugh Pollock will act as Secretary with Director of Finance going to Graeme Burgess, Mike Dalgetty continues as Director Rugby, and Michael Dalrymple was appointed as Director of Youth Rugby.

Phil Morris was voted in as Director of Commerce, Mark Locke as Director of Communications, and Jim Shepherd as Director of Health and Safety, with Mike Bleasdale accepting the position of Director of Facilities.

The new Board will continue with the development of the Greenyards which includes a new 3G pitch, new floodlights and eventually a new stand.

Plans are also being progressed to expand the historic Sevens tournament into a weekend-long event.

Chairman Brown said: “It is an honour to represent Melrose Rugby. I

"It is one of the most dynamic and progressive clubs in Scottish rugby.

"This is an exciting time for the club as we start work on delivering some of our most ambitious projects.

“Our whole ethos is based around inclusivity, creating positive partnerships with other Borders organisations, schools and clubs, to promote health and well-being in the community and ensure our future players have an excellent start in life.

“With our drive to make our 1stXV more community based, we want to return to having first class home-grown players coming through the system and into our 1stXV.

“Our current academy system and strong partnership with Earlston High School continues to thrive, delivering some fantastic junior internationalists.

"These youngsters are going to be our stars and role models of the future.”