SIXTEEN years on from founding Yatton Keynell Table Tennis Club, Vernon Hughes has been honoured with a prestigious volunteering award.

The 83-year-old, who first picked up a bat at the age of nine, was presented with a Torch Trophy Trust award in London on March 7 for his exceptional service to the sport and the local community.

“It was a wonderful evening and it was really humbling to be allowed into what I consider to be a group of quite remarkable people,” Mr Hughes said.

“There was such a range of people from different sporting backgrounds who dedicated their time to improving the wellbeing of others and it made it a really wonderful night.

“I have never thought of myself as being remarkable because I just run the club by myself, but it was a real

honour to receive this award.”

Mr Hughes started up the Yatton Keynell club at the village hall, thanks to the co-operation of the Yatton Keynell Recreational Association, after a number of venues in Chippenham he and others played at, closed down in 2002.

“We only had one table and one team in the Bath and District League back then but over the years we have grown to four teams in the league and attracted people from all over the place,” he added.

“I still play but my body is beginning to creak a bit, so I’m not as dynamic as I used to be!”

England great Sir Bobby Charlton, the president of the trust, praised Mr Hughes for his service to the club over the years.

He said: “Without people like Vernon, sport simply wouldn’t exist.

“We’re very lucky in this country to have an army of volunteers but these awards are given to only a handful of people each year.

“They are in recognition of being one of our most devoted sports volunteers, so each of our winners has my personal thanks and my appreciation.”

The Duke of Gloucester, who presented the award, added: “Volunteering is the lifeblood of the United Kingdom and it’s an honour to reward people who give up so much of their time and their energy for others.

“I hope they act as an inspiration to the people around them.”

Yatton Keynell Table Tennis Club trains from 6.30pm on Mondays and 7.30pm on Thursdays and are always looking for new members of all ages.

For more information about joining call Mr Hughes on 01249 782971.