A SPORTS lover who has taught rugby skills to youngsters in Trafford for nearly three decades has been recognised in the Queen's Birthday Honours.

Urmston resident Greg Hawkins, aged 52, has been awarded the British Empire Medal for his services to rugby.

He has made a major impact in the borough in developing the sport of rugby at grass roots level.

He became chairman of Sale-based Trafford MV Rugby Club 22 years ago and since then the club has gone from strength to strength.

He established a mini and junior section at the club in the early 1990s which now boasts more than 300 members and is supported by around 50 volunteers.

The hundreds of youngsters he has coached include Steve Diamond, the current Sale Sharks director of rugby.

Believing rugby can have a major positive impact on youngsters, he has developed coaching links with schools - including Stretford Grammar and Sale Grammar - as well as Manchester Metropolitan University, UMIST and Manchester University.

Greg - who is married to Julie- said: "I do it because I love it.

"Rugby gave me focus and direction and an avenue for getting rid of that little but of aggression.

"I want kids to get as much out of the game as I have."

He has seen successive generations benefit from the game: "We are starting to see children of people I have coached coming through.

Greg, who works for BT in Sale, said of the award: "I am very pleased.

" I think it is in recognition of not just myself but all the other people who have helped build up the club."