Club member Fiona Spence was among those honoured at a glittering ceremony for the annual RYA Volunteer Awards held at One Great George Street in London earlier this month.

The Royal Yachting Association is boating’s national governing body and 48 RYA Volunteer Awards were presented to recipients from across the United Kingdom for their exceptional commitment and services to boating.

Having worked tirelessly to help children and young people spend time on the water at Ripon Sailing Club and across the region, Fiona received an RYA Community Award for Outstanding Contribution.

Fiona, who lives near Wetherby, said: “I was very touched to be nominated for this award.

“I get a great deal of pleasure from helping young people go sailing, providing opportunities for them to realise their ambitions, make friendships and have new experiences.

“This award is also recognition for the support I’ve personally enjoyed from so many people in the background, helping to deliver many of our activities, events and adventures both at the club and in the region in recent years and I’d like to say thank you to them all.”

As Ripon Sailing Club’s Youth and Junior Secretary for five years, Fiona developed and delivered Pre-Sailors sessions for under sevens and coached Improvers sessions, as well as numerous other events and activities to encourage them onto the…