A MUCH-LOVED Stewarton Boys' Brigade leader has been named a BEM in the New Year honours list. 

William Campbell, known locally as Willie, is captain of the 1st Stewarton Boys' Brigade, and has been awarded the British Empire Medal for his years of service to the community. 

He joined the organisation as a youngster at just seven years old, before becoming a staff member at 18 and a captain at 28.

Now 56, Willie has dedicated almost 40 years of his life to the BB, and regularly supports other groups and initiatives in the town when asked.

He admitted he is "over the moon" to be awarded a BEM - but insists that he doesn't volunteer for any awards or accolades.

Willie said: "It feels really good, but as a volunteer you do it for putting back into the community. Getting things like this is just a wee bonus. 

"It's not the driver in the first place, but it's always good to get a lift - and it makes it all worthwhile after putting in the hours every week for almost four decades. 

"My wife Margaret, who is also a BB leader, actually opened the letter first, and she was delighted for me. I honestly couldn't do what I do without her."

Willie is in charge of a BB company in Stewarton with 95 young people, who regularly take part in trips, camps, activities and events in the town.

He says his proudest achievement is seeing young BB memberss grow up into responsible adults during their time in the organisation.

He said: "We do a lot of things around the town like Christmas card deliveries, but generally seeing the boys come through and doing their Queen's Badge is the biggest thrill. 

"A lot of boys will come up to me after they leave and say that the Boys' Brigade helped them secure jobs and other opportunities, which is lovely to hear."

Willie, who works as a supply chain manager in the construction industry, says he has no plans to retire from the BB any time soon.