TIMES photographer James Bird has become the first honorary vice president of the Tavistock Rugby Football Club.

Club committee members unanimously agreed to the proposal to award the honour because of James' support over the years and the time spent at weekends taking photographs at the club.

James has been taking pictures for the Times for 27 years and during that time has photographed hundreds of matches and events at the club in all weathers.

'It is a great honour to be given the title of honorary vice president, especially in mind of the people who have worked so hard as members and players over the last 20 to 30 years to put the club where it is today,' he said.

'I started taking pictures in the early days when the club played at the Mary Tavy pitch and latterly at their base at Sandy Park. Rugby is one of my favourite sports to watch and photograph. I may have put in a lot of time at the club but I also enjoy doing it.'

James said he loved rugby at school but was terrible at it: 'I did not really like the rough tackles so whenever I got passed the ball my aim would be to pass it on as quickly as possible,' he added.

'I have been horrified by some of the injuries sustained by players since I started photographing the matches. I remember one final where a great big rugby player from the visiting side dislocated his knee cap and was in utter agony. It was so wet and we actually had to push the ambulance on the pitch.'

In a letter to James, club chairman Nigel Larcombe-Williams said: 'I want to say thank you on behalf of all at Tavistock Rugby Football Club for your continued support over the years. I know how much time you give up on Saturdays and some Sunday mornings to take pictures at the club.

'I would like to ask you to become our first honorary vice president. It was the best way I could think of making our gratitude for what you do real.'