A KIRKCALDY man who has been awarded an MBE in the New Year’s Honours List has spoken of how he managed to keep the news a secret from his family and friends for over a month.

John Methven, who will receive his honour from the Queen later this year, was informed in November that he had been nominated to receive the award after devoting 72 years of his life to helping The Boys’ Brigade in the town.

Mr Methven, who is currently captain of the 4th Company Boys’ Brigade at St John’s Parish Church, admitted that keeping the news from his nearest and dearest was a struggle but, having been nominated twice previously, necessary to avoid people building up their hopes.

Speaking at his home yesterday, Mr Methven said, “I received a note in November saying that I had been put forward for the MBE and was told to keep it quiet until I found out when the list was published at the end of December.

“I didn’t even tell my family.

“I had been put forward on two previous occasions and hadn’t got it so I didn’t want to get too excited in case it didn’t work out.

“However, now that it has I’m very excited.”

John first began his involvement with the BB at the age of eight and has remained active in the Christian youth organisation’s work ever since.

Former members who were under John’s stewardship over the years have been sending messages of congratulations since the announcement was made and, with the brigade meetings due to resume this weekend, more are expected from current attendants.

While no date has yet been arranged for John to receive his honour, there is a possibility that it could be presented to him at Holyrood as opposed to Buckingham Palace, depending on the royal family’s schedule.

And although being awarded the title of MBE is more than enough to make him smile, Mr Methven admitted that it would be extra special to receive his award in the Scottish capital, adding, “It’s going to be quite an occasion wherever it is, though I do hope that I will be able to receive it in Edinburgh.”

Though Mr Methven has been bestowed with his MBE for his voluntary service to the brigade over the past 72 years, he was keen to commend those who have worked alongside him and stressed that his contribution is far from over yet, despite him reaching the age of 81.

He said, “I’ve really enjoyed my time with the BB but I have to add that it is not a one-man job.

“There have been some excellent helpers through the years, people who have sacrificed their holiday weeks to go camping with the boys or who have helped out even when they’ve had jobs to hold down.

“I know the years are catching up with me and the lifestyle is changing but I’m not done with it yet.”