DUNFERMLINE Rugby Club head coach Stuart Brown has been given the Volunteer of the Season award for the Caledonia Midlands region by Scottish Rugby.

Stuart, who has been a key member of the coaching staff for almost two decades across every level of the game, has been head coach of the men's first XV for each of the past three seasons.

He has been recognised for the considerable time and effort he puts in to provide high-quality, enjoyable and engaging training sessions for up to 80 players a week.

"It was an honour to receive the award for the region and to be recognised in such a way," he commented.

"I’ve been very lucky with my time coaching at Dunfermline as I’ve had great squads of players with the seniors and the youth squad I brought through. It was a real pleasure on the day to get such an award after 17 years of coaching here."

In a testimonial about Stuart, Dunfermline Rugby Club president Kevin Storie commented: "Stuart is a club man though and through. He willingly gives his time, effort and energy in supporting our senior players to thrive and play to the best of their ability. Without a doubt, he is one of the key reasons for the current feel-good factor at Dunfermline.

"No matter what, Stuart always maintains a positive demeanour, which rubs off on all those around him. And, whenever he is asked for advice and guidance from other coaches, he is always on hand to lend his experience."

The men's first XV are currently five points clear at the top of Tennent's Caledonia Division One, having finished their campaign with nine successive wins.

However, their chances of winning promotion to National League Division Three depend on the results of nearest challengers Orkney, who have three matches left to play.