A SWANAGE sailing club stalwart has been presented with a prestigious award by HRH Princess Royal.

Mike Cemm, of the town’s sailing club, received his Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Outstanding Contribution Award at the RYA’s annual volunteer award ceremony in London.

Mike, from Corfe Castle, was nominated after regularly volunteering for up to 30 hours a week promoting sailing.

He’s established youth and adult training programmes at the Swanage club, as well as forging partnerships with local schools to help open up sailing to low income families.

Mike, who also organises the ‘Sail for Gold Day’ and instructs on power boats, said: “I was delighted to be nominated for this award and we very much enjoyed the ceremony.

“It is extremely rewarding getting all ages into the sport. The club is run by volunteers and it is great to see previous students now trained to be sailing instructors and passing on their newly acquired knowledge onto the next generation.”

More than 40 voluntary awards were presented to winners from across the UK, at London’s One Great George Street.

RYA chief executive Sarah Treseder said: “The RYA is delighted to make this award in recognition of Mike’s enthusiasm, promotion of our sport and many years’ contribution to the south’s boating scene.

“The 41 RYA are an inspiration to us all and it is my pleasure to recognise and celebrate their hard work and dedication.”

To find out more about the Royal Yachting Association, including how to become a member of the organisation, visit rya.org.uk

Alternatively please call 0844 556 9556.