AFTER spending more than 50 years in the world of athletics, a Cornishman at the heart of the sport in the Duchy has been named in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List.

Alan Rowling has been awarded an British Empire Medal, known as a BEM, for his services to athletics in Cornwall.

The 68-year-old’s from Portreath who is chairman of the Cornwall Athletics Club based in Carn Brea first became involved when as an athlete in 1963 competing in cross country races.

In 1974, Rowling and Ben Penberthy set up the Duchy of Cornwall AC which when it amalgamated with West Cornwall in 1983 became Cornwall AC.

Plenty of successful runners have come from the club, including England international Emma Stepto who nominated Rowling for the honour, and he still coaches today.

After the list was announced, Rowling said: “I have been totally overwhelmed by the number of well wishers who have contacted me, not only from within my own club but from those involved in other clubs throughout the county.

“It makes me very proud to be involved in the sport in Cornwall and I really appreciate the kind comments from so many people, including some runners from early school teams, as well as those currently involved at the club, who it has been and still is and pleasure to work with.

“I actually found out about the award five weeks ago when the Cabinet Office sent me a letter and it has been quite hard keeping it secret as it is something you want to share with others straight away.

“I would like add my thanks to Emma and my wife Gill who, possibly as part of their MI5 training, connived to obtain the information needed for my nomination.”

Alongside his coaching, Rowling has also been heavily involved with organising cross country, road running and track and field events including the Cornwall Marathon.

Outside of athletics, he spent 30 years as a teacher at Redruth School where he started up the school cross country team.

He also spent time in the roles of secretary and team manager of Cornwall Schools Cross Country.