Pelicans Hockey Club toasted the end of the season by raising a glass to loyal servant John Drohan who received a 'Life Member' honour at the outfit's awards night.

More than 70 members were present at the Pelicans' clubhouse in King's Lynn to see Drohan pick up the award for his 27 years of playing and coaching at the club.

The popular figure joined Pelicans in 1985 and coached the ladies' first team during a six-year spell from 1990, with Tracy Brown captaining the side. The team were promoted out of the Norfolk League to the East League, and then moved from Division Two into Division One.

Drohan's dedication saw him take key player Tracy Bower to France for a school trip – after a promotion play-off game so she could play for the Pelicans.

He also guided the side to two fine HA Trophy runs that saw them compete in Liverpool on two occasions. From 1999 onwards, the Pelicans stalwart coached a host of juniors sides and organised a number of tournaments for the club during two decades of exemplary service.

Notable highlights included taking the under-16 indoor team to the 2010 national finals and creating the Norfolk Girls Development League. He has also coached a number of county sides.

Elsewhere, Mel Drohan and Jane Major were elected as vice-presidents for their continued service to the club after years of contributions on and off the pitch.

Peter Lemon was awarded his club blazer for his contribution and 'unsung hero for services to Pelicans'. James Caley, Paul Searle and Lloyd Sandy were awarded their club colours while Sean Kerry, Jon Brown and Brian Page were handed double club colours.

The men's player of the year award was given to Charlie Lankfer, Ella Picton picked up the ladies' award while the overall top goalscorer prize was given to Harry Lankfer.

Molly Frost picked up the Ken Gregory Memorial Award for junior member of the year while chairman Mark Mills lifted the Derrick Neville award for senior club member of the year.

Other awards

Men's first team player of the year: Chris Page

Men's first team most improved player: Jack Major

Men's second team player of the year: Ben Picton

Men's second team most improved player: James Caley

Men's third team player of the year: Will Lankfer

Men's third team most improved player: John Redwood

Men's vet's player of the year: Rob Wildbur

Ladies' first team player of the year: Charlie Redhead

Ladies' first team most improved player: Susanna Lemon

Ladies' second team player of the year: Alanah Moore

Ladies' second team most improved player: Lucy Reed

Ladies' third team player of the year: Sue Picton

Ladies' third team most improved player: Fern Ramsdale

Ladies' vet's player of the year: Carol Tupper