The actor who played Eric Jones in Still Game has been recognised for his contribution to public service and support for veterans charities.

Partick-born actor Jimmy Martin who is best known to Glaswegians as ‘auld Eric’ from sitcom Still Game has received the British Empire Medal at a ceremony at Erskine care home in Edinburgh.

The 93-year-old has had a stellar career as an actor and appeared in favourites such as Taggart, Just Another Saturday and Take The High Road.

He is however not being recognised for his 40-year contribution as an actor, but instead for his commitment and dedication to public service and charity. Martin served as a fireman in Partick and was also a Navy officer with him giving up a lot of his time for Poppy Scotland and The Hollies community hub in Musselburgh.

Speaking to Paul English in the Daily Record, Jimmy Martin’s daughter Jennifer said: “We are wondering if they maybe have a translator at Buckingham Palace because I can’t imagine Camilla and Charles are very fluent in Craiglang. “But Dad is totally delighted and so are we. It’s absolutely great for him to be recognised like this.”

Still Game actor Gavin Mitchell said: “I’m over the moon for him. He’s led so many lives, he was like the Time Lord of the cast.

“A merchant seaman, a fireman, an actor, and all his work for charity, plus he’s the most dapper chap on the block, always immaculate.”