A COLCHESTER solicitor has received an award from the Rugby Football Union (RFU).

Alan Goggin, 60, head of Birkett Long Solicitors' financial services department and president of the Brightlingsea Rugby Club, received the Value the Volunteer certificate for his contribution to the game.

He has played rugby since he was ten and celebrated his 60th birthday playing for Brightlingsea's 2nd XV with his sons. The Value the Volunteer certificate is a personal thank you to an individual for supporting rugby.

But rugby isn't Mr Goggin's only sporting achievement. He has held the title of British senior champion waterskier a record 12 times, has represented the country at two world championships and seven European championships, was team manager and chairman of the British Water Ski Federation and today, he is British representative on the European governing body of the sport.

On top of this, Mr Goggin is also mayor of Brightlingsea.

"My life is undoubtedly busy," said Mr Goggin, "but I'm fortunate in being able to take part in the things I love, both through my involvement in sport and in my career. When you're doing something you enjoy, you somehow find time to fit it all in!"