Newcastle Falcons Dave Walder has been chosen as the winner of a new community award.

Walder is the winner of the new annual Powergen Player in the Community award which recognises the major contribution Zurich Premiership players across all 12 clubs make to their local communities. He received a silver salver to honour his contribution as well as £1,000 to donate to his chosen charity.

All Zurich Premiership players, including internationals such as Lawrence Dallaglio and Ben Cohen, are committed as part of their club contracts to carrying out community-based work a month and this can vary from leading coaching clinics at local rugby clubs to visiting local hospitals, taking school assemblies or coaching tag rugby. All 12 clubs were asked to nominate one of their first team players who they believe had made a significant contribution to the local community around their Premiership club.

Over the last year Walder has carried out a significant number of community visits and has been involved in a range of activities including kicking clinics, tag rugby coaching, presenting prizes to voluntary groups and working with youngsters through the Princes Trust's XL club scheme.

He was delighted to receive the award, saying: "Not many people are aware of the amount of activity that goes on behind the scenes by the club's community departments and by the actual Premiership players.

"All the players enjoy their community visits as it gives us an opportunity to talk about what we enjoy most, as well as hopefully encouraging the future Jonny Wilkinsons to get involved in the sport."

Mark Foster, community marketing manager at the Falcons explained why Walder was nominated: "Dave is a great role model to the people he meets through his community work as he is always enthusiastic about rugby and keen to give something back to the local area.

"He understands the importance of encouraging youngsters to get involved in rugby and seems to really enjoy the community aspect of his job. The Powergen Player in the Community award is a great recognition of the time and effort he has invested over the last year. He thoroughly deserves the award."