Real lives: 'Inspirational' JP Graham steps down after 25 years

Described by a fellow Justice of the Peace as "inspirational", Mr Coe's long career began in 1988, when he was recommended for the position in his local area of East Lothian.

A voluntary, part-time position, being a Justice of the Peace involves both sitting on the bench for "small" crimes, as well as signing warrants for the local area.

"It is usually not as demanding in rural areas like ours," said the 69-year-old. "But in saying that, I did answer a call for a warrant at 2am just the other week - the police had to come all the way from Edinburgh."

Bob Mitchell, a fellow Justice of the Peace, said: "Graham has been a guide, mentor and inspiration to all of his fellow East Lothian justices and has been very active also in a Lothian-wide and national basis. It is no exaggeration to say that it is unlikely that any JP in Scotland has failed to be influenced by his wisdom at some point."

Further to his work as a Justice of the Peace, Mr Coe was also an English teacher for more than 30 years. After gaining a degree in English from the University of Edinburgh, he then completed a Diploma in Education, going on to become a secondary school teacher in August 1964.

He spent the majority of his career at Preston Lodge High School with brief spells in Cowdenbeath and Dunbar schools. He was made deputy head at Preston Lodge in 1988, before retiring from the profession in 1997.

Born and raised in Haddington, Mr Coe describes his career as a JP as rewarding, saying: "It was good to be able to make a contribution to the life of East Lothian and the criminal justice system. When I retired early it didn't seem like retirement because I have been so busy with being the Justice of the Peace. Now I feel I am properly retired."

Mr Coe also works with the Scouts, due to his love of working with children. He has been an active member of the Scouts for more than 60 years, since joining as a young boy. After finishing university he decided to become more involved with the organisation and soon became a Scout leader. He is now the chairman of the East Lothian Scout district.

Now he has more time on his hands he hopes to spend it "doing lots more walking and travelling", having been previously restricted by both career and health.

He is also an elder of the West Church of Haddington.

Happily married for 47 years, Mr Coe and his wife Margaret have three children - Lindsey, Stewart and Kirsty. They also have four grandchildren with whom he is looking forward to spending more time.

Mr Coe will celebrate his 70th birthday tomorrow and will mark the occasion with family.