A LONG-STANDING member of a voluntary sports organisation for more than four decades has been described as an "inspiration" after stepping down from her role.

Pat Reid, who also spent 53 years on the committee of Dunfermline Tennis Club, had been involved with Dunfermline and West Fife Sports Council since 1982.

Founded in 1967, making it the second oldest in Scotland, it provides support through the awarding of grants, whilst organising sports festivals for schools, 'come and try' sessions, and an annual awards ceremony, where individuals, teams, coaches and volunteers are recognised for their achievements.

In addition to her role on the committees of both the sports council and tennis club, with whom she served as president, secretary and treasurer, Pat was also involved with the Scottish Association of Local Sports Councils (SALSC) - now known as Scottish ClubSport - which is the umbrella organisation for sports councils across the country.

She also spent seven years on the LTA (Lawn Tennis Association) committee, and worked with Tennis Scotland, and to mark her long service to the sports council, a presentation and lunch was recently held in her honour at the Garvock House Hotel.

Lindsay Weir, secretary of Dunfermline and West Fife Sports Council, said: "Her contribution has been very valuable indeed and, certainly when I came on board, showing me the ropes as to how things actually worked.

"I've said before, but it's unusual today that you get someone who is so committed on a volunteer basis involved in sports.

"I do know a number, but to go for 42 years is pretty exceptional, and even longer with the tennis club. It's pretty exceptional, and an inspiration, I think, for other volunteers to come on board to help out and help out within either their sport or the wider sport."

Pat, who laughed that she will still "want to know what's going on", said that she didn't realise the length of time she'd been on the committee, and said: "I just like being amongst people who love sports.

"It didn't matter which sport it was, and just helping all the local sports clubs to get on with what they want to do.

"Through the years, the sports council's developed quite a lot of things, especially the schools festivals, but even just holding the annual sports awards every year, it brings the sports, the local sports people and clubs, recognition. It's incredible."

Since stepping away from her tennis club roles two years ago - although her daughter and grandson play - Pat plays golf three or four times a week at Dunfermline Golf Club, where she is a member.

Lindsay added: "You don't get many Pat Reid's in this world, that's for sure, in terms of time and effort and support that she's given me, but not just me, but everybody who's been involved in the sports council over the years."