A STALWART of North Berwick RNLI was awarded the institution’s coveted Gold badge at a ceremony last week.

Dr Neil Jones, medical officer, was given the special award – the highest accolade that can be presented to a member of the lifeboat management group – in recognition of more than two decades’ service to the RNLI.

He has served as medical officer for 23 years, and was presented with the badge by Sir Hew Hamilton-Dalrymple.

Also pictured (from left) are Stewart Auld, management group chairman, and crew members Paul Mitchell, holding son Fraser, and Dougie Imrie.