AS a tribute to his services to the community in Alva, Murray Cochrane was named on the Queen's Birthday Honours List.

A director on The Cochrane Foundation, he has given his time to the charitable organisation for around 50 years, joining the board in 1967 and becoming chairman in 1969.

He held this role until 2014, when he handed it over to Martin Dunsmore, and continues to give the organisation the benefit of his wisdom.

Murray, 83, who now stays in Clackmannan but has spent most of his life in Alva, is also being honoured as a Medallist of the Order of the British Empire.

He said: "I feel honoured and I think the foundation feels honoured that they have been recognised in this way."

The foundation was established through the generosity of the three Cochrane brothers (James, Charles and John) who were born in Alva and emigrated with their parents to America in 1865.

Distant relatives of Murray, they had much success in business but never forgot their roots and returned to visit Alva on occasions.

Their generosity and kindness established The Cochrane Foundation to support the needy in the town and they also made a gift of the Cochrane Hall and Park and a donation to Alva Academy.

A foundation spokesperson said: "Over the ensuing 45 years Murray’s leadership and guidance of the foundation has been invaluable.

"His detailed local knowledge has helped to keep the foundation focused on the priority needs of the community.

"At the same time careful stewardship of the foundation’s legacy has seen a steady growth in the Cochrane brothers’ investment over this period."