TWO dedicated volunteers from Christchurch were honoured at an event attended by Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal.

Richard Beasley and Tony Lock from Christchurch Sailing Club received awards at the RYA Volunteer event recently.

The Christchurch pair were among 47 winners honoured for their exceptional generosity and dedication to boating at the ceremony.

Tony Lock received a Lifetime Commitment Award for his hard work at the club co-ordinating junior sailors and establishing a Ladies Sailing Group.

He said: “I feel very privileged to have been presented with this award by HRH the Princess Royal, and for winning it for doing something I enjoy.”

Richard Beasley accepted an RYA Community Award Youth Category for his efforts running race training for young sailors and coaching.

He also formed Christchurch’s adult training programme, the ‘Rusty Rudders’.

He said: “It was a fantastic day out for everybody.

“It was so good to hear what other people do for their clubs and the achievements that they have made.

“My family accompanied me and they really enjoyed the whole experience, especially meeting the Princess Royal at the drinks reception.”

Each winner received a commemorative medallion and certificate.

RYA sport development manager Duncan Truswell added: “The RYA Volunteer Awards are all about celebrating the commitment of the countless volunteers who do fantastic work to support our sport.

“These people are the lifeblood of our sport.

“They keep our sailing clubs, events and our organisations thriving and make it possible for others to get out on the water.”