Horning sailor Rodney Storey joined dedicated volunteers from across the UK to have their endeavours recognised by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, President of the Royal Yachting Association (RYA), at the annual RYA volunteer awards in London.

A total of 53 awards were bestowed upon volunteers from across the UK on Friday, November 20, recognising their exceptional generosity and dedication to boating.

Rodney received a Lifetime Commitment Award in recognition of his commitment and services to boating.

Horning Sailing Club (HSC) said in nominating Rodney: 'Over the past 40 years, Rodney has shown exceptional commitment and dedication to HSC. During this time, he has thrown himself into charity work, club racing and group committees with unbounded enthusiasm.

'Since joining the club in 1976, Rodney has served in a wide and varying range of roles, including vice commodore and commodore, and also as a senior instructor and leading the club's OnBoard sessions.

'In his role as keelboat and dinghy instructor and latterly as senior instructor, Rodney played a crucial role in the development of the club's training centre. From taking parents out in keelboats, he progressed to running the seamanship group for young people, before becoming lead instructor for the topper training group.

'Always the first to volunteer, Rodney has become heavily involved in teaching local schools, clubs and organisations through the club's OnBoard scheme. In 2014, he initiated the link between HSC, Wymondham Rotary Club and the Friends of Chernobyl Children, arranging for young people from Belarus to get afloat for two days during a month long UK visit. This proved so successful that an annual event has been planned.'

Rodney said of the award: 'I feel surprised and honoured to be receiving this award. I am extremely proud of all we have achieved at the training centre and believe we have provided our young people with the basis for a life times' enjoyment of sailing. My part in this has, I feel, been a small repayment for all of the fun and pleasure experienced on the water over the last sixty or so years.'

RYA sport development manager Duncan Truswell said: 'The RYA volunteer awards are our opportunity to say thank you on behalf of clubs and associations that affiliate to the RYA to their volunteers, the people that really make a difference to help people get afloat. It's our opportunity to take a bit of time out and say thank you very much for the commitment you guys make to the sport to help people get afloat safely and enjoyably.'