Public-spirited Michael is hailed for 60 years' service

Dedicated community stalwart Michael O'Donnell, who has given continuous service to Dunbar for more than 60 years, is set to be awarded a top accolade for his efforts.

Mr O'Donnell, 90, will receive the Community Council Cup – a trophy which is awarded annually.

Since moving to the town in 1939 the public-spirited pensioner has taken on dozens of local voluntary roles, many of which he is still completing today.

Despite his age, Mr O'Donnell still enjoys his jobs as treasurer of the management committee of Dunbar Day Centre and secretary and treasurer of Dunbar Probus Club.

He said: "I am surprised and pleased to be singled out for doing work which I have always greatly enjoyed. I love getting stuck into the local community activities, and I'll keep going at the Probus Club and Dunbar Day Centre for as long as they need me – and as long as they think I can do the job!"

Mr O'Donnell moved to the town aged 19, but was straight away enlisted in the army at the outbreak of war.

He served with the Royal Armoured Corps, being transferred to the Middle East GHQ in Cairo, then posted to the new British Military Administration, which was formed to govern the Italian lands captured by the Allies.

His posting was Eritrea as revenue and state lands officer.

During his time in the army, in 1940, Mr O'Donnell was married. He later had three children – Kathleen, Kenneth and Keith.

On leaving the army in 1947, Mr O'Donnell entered retail management with Allied Suppliers and managed the Dunbar branch until retirement in 1982.

His long list of service includes: an elder at Dunbar Parish Church; past president, treasurer and Paul Harris Fellowship Holder with Dunbar Rotary Club and chairman of the management committee of the Church of Scotland Eventide Home.

He has also been group scout leader and district commissioner south with the Scout Association and acted as secretary at the Dunbar Trades Association. He was also involved in moves to rescue the former outdoor swimming pool.

Tying in with his love of volunteering work, Mr O'Donnell enjoys vintage cars, golf and administrative tasks.

He helped to organise the Dunbar annual Golf Week and helped promote the town with a vintage car rally.

At the Winterfield Golf and Sports Club he was secretary, treasurer and club manager.

He will be awarded the Community Council Cup at the end of February during a presentation, followed by a party.

He said: "I never tire of the work."