CELTIC legend Dixie Deans played a blinder when he swapped a football stadium for a caravan park.

The former Parkhead player, who was a prolific striker for the Glasgow club in the 1970s and twice scored hat-tricks in cup finals, was back in the spotlight when he took on the new role as a presenter.

Dixie was at Craigendmuir Caravan and Camping Site in Stepps, Lanarkshire, to present prizes to another winning team.

The holiday site recently won a five-star quality grading from tourism agency Visit­Scotland and owners John and Ian Hendry were so delighted they nominated six staff for awards with the British Holidays and Home Parks Association.

All six were given Exceptional Service Awards by the association for the part they had played in Craigendmuir's upgrade.

The winners were Alan Bunting, Craig McKittrick, Betty Reid, Carol Wheeler, Colin Wilson and Kelly Winchester.

Dixie presented each of the winners with their awards just weeks before the former Celtic and Motherwell star moves into Red Deer Village, a 15-acre retirement park that includes the caravan park.

John Hendry said: "It was very generous of Dixie to take time off and to help make the occasion such a memorable one for everybody.

"We have a fantastic team here who, time after time, show themselves willing to go the extra mile in doing their job and delivering a first-class service to guests."

Mr Hendry also praised workers Cathy Neilson, Liz Sweeney and Ashleigh Hendry, past winners of the Exceptional Service awards.

gordon.thomson@ eveningtimes.co.uk