HAWORTH Hawks Table Tennis Club's Andy Bray has received a prestigious prize from Prince Edward.

He was the worthy recipient of a Torch Trophy Award in recognition of his work in promoting the sport in the Keighley district over the last decade.

Bray was presented with the accolade by HRH The Earl of Wessex at the British Olympic Association and also met Torch Trophy Trust president Sir Bobby Charlton.

The Trust was established in 1962 to support and recognise the outstanding achievements of volunteers in sport.

Bray was nominated by Table Tennis England Development Officer Sally Shutt.

Her citation read: "Andy has been the driving force behind the creation of a highly successful table tennis facility in Keighley.

"In 2007, aged just 17, Andy secured an Awards for All grant to establish Haworth Hawks Table Tennis Club. Initially run in a community centre in Haworth, he quickly increased the membership and the thriving club now boasts 12 teams in the local league and a membership of over 80 players.

"Andy also developed a keen interest in junior coaching and development and invested his own time and funds to progress to a UKCC Level 3 coach. He volunteers his time to coach juniors on a regular basis and also accompanies them to local competitions."

Shutt also paid tribute to Bray's work in establishing the Keighley Table Tennis and Recreation Centre, based in the Keighley Business Centre on South Street.

She wrote: "As the club outgrew their venue in Haworth, Andy was the main instigator in finding a new home for the club in nearby Keighley.

"On a budget of less than £25,000, sourced from local authority grants, he led a group of volunteers who worked tirelessly to convert an old textile mill into a superb dedicated facility which is now enjoyed by over 150 users weekly.

"Andy has continued to expand the club by recruiting a team of 12 coaches and a fully functioning committee that regularly organises club events and activities."