A VOLUNTEER for the Yorkshire Dales Sailing Club has been recognised for her dedication with an RYA Community Award for Outstanding Contribution.

Pam Cousen, a retired home economics teacher, has been at the heart of the club’s catering services for more than a decade.

Although she does not sail herself, Mrs Cousen is a much-loved member of Yorkshire Dales SC, having been invited to help set up the ‘galley’ when the new club house was opened in 2008.

Mrs Cousen, 70, who had recently retired from Ashville College in Harrogate, applied her expertise to design and equip the galley and has had a leading role in helping to provide catering at the club ever since.

Over the years she has recruited and trained numerous young members to help out, all of whom have achieved their Food Hygiene Certificate.

Thanks to Mrs Cousen's rigorous high standards, the galley consistently earns five-star ratings from inspectors.

She said: “I love doing it because there are lots of young people at the club and all of the members are lovely.

“We have big events but I also enjoy just the normal Saturdays and Sundays, when the children come with their parents and sit down and have a meal together.

"It’s about giving something back into the community.

"I don’t know one end of a boat really from another and I’ve never been out in one, but it’s the most fabulous club and if I can help, that’s just great. It’s been a really nice part of my life.”

Sarah Treseder, RYA Chief Executive, said: “This year more than ever before we have seen our club volunteers come together and work tirelessly to ensure members can continue to sail.

"The generosity and dedication of each of the RYA Volunteer Award recipients is simply outstanding and it’s a pleasure to be able to recognise these winners through this award.”