A sailing volunteer has been presented with a national award by Anne, the Princess Royal.

Leo Bridger, of the King George V Reservoir sailing club, received a lifetime commitment award for his dedication to the club at the Royal Yachting Association’s (RYA) annual awards on November 19.

The Princess Royal was at the event, as the president of the RYA.

Mr Bridger has been a member at the club for almost 40 years and saved the club thousands of pounds by completing works to the pontoons, roofs, helping with general maintenance and fixing rescue boat engines.

During lockdown, he also replaced all the changing room doors, repaired toilets, and other much needed repairs to the club house changing block.

After years of sailing and sharing his extensive knowledge with novice and youth sailors, he said: “I have enjoyed sailing at King George SC for many years, and made many friends there over the years.

“We are a members’ club whereby a lot of ongoing maintenance is arranged by club council and club members, which I also enjoy. I greatly appreciate this award.”

Rob Clark, RYA director of sport development, said: “2021 has been another challenging year for sailing organisations with outdoor activity restarting and restrictions slowly lifting.

“More than ever volunteers are the backbone of our clubs and the wider boating community, and every single award winner has made an impact by sacrificing their time and expertise so others can enjoy being on the water. It’s a pleasure to recognise their achievements.”