Norfolk's Carol Delf was recognised this week as one of England's top golf volunteers.

Carol, of Great Yarmouth & Caister Golf Club, was presented with the County Development Award at the England Golf Partnership's annual Volunteer of the Year Awards.

Other winners at the ceremony at the County Golf Development Conference dinner at the National Golf Centre, Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire, were:

Patrick Denning of Kent – Young Golf Volunteer of the Year, under 18

Shenal Patel of Surrey – Young Golf Volunteer of the Year, 18-25

Sally Benn of Derbyshire - Golf Volunteer Coach of the Year

Guy Carr of Durham – Club Development Award

Jenny Clink of Gloucestershire - Services to Golf/Lifetime Achievement (female)

Ted Leather of Cheshire - Services to Golf/Lifetime Achievement (male)

They were applauded by a packed conference hall made up of those leading the EGP's vision to 'Grow the Game' through the County Golf Partnership structure.

Phil Beard, Volunteer Manager for the England Golf Partnership, said: 'These volunteers are truly inspiring people who play a crucial part in growing the game. They readily give up their time and many people are playing and enjoying golf because of their encouragement. These awards recognise the importance and value of our volunteers.'

Carol has been involved with the Norfolk Golf Partnership since its earliest days, helping to found the organisation and becoming chairman in 2010. She actively encourages clubs to make the most of grass roots opportunities to encourage more people into the game and into club membership.

Carol is also a stalwart of women's and girls' golf in Norfolk where she has been county captain and chairman and is currently county junior organiser.

She is also a key volunteer at her own club, Gt Yarmouth & Caister, where she has been ladies' captain and a member of the club committee.

'This award is good for Norfolk, it's recognition for what we're doing in the county – and that's what it's all about,' said Carol.

Gt Yarmouth & Caister PGA professional Gary Potter praised Carol: 'She's a progressive, proactive achiever and, if her work at Caister is anything to go by, she will achieve great results for the partnership and beyond.'

The national volunteering programme is delivered via the England Golf Partnership's 'Whole Sport Plan' for golf and is an integral part of the England Golf Partnership's vision to 'Grow the Game'.

n For more on volunteers and full details of all the award winners go to www.golfvolunteers.org.