A MAMBLE couple were rewarded for their commitment to their sport as they were presented with an Royal Yachting Association volunteer award by the Princess Royal.

Arthur and Cheryl Allen received an Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Lifetime Commitment Award, for individuals who have shown exceptional commitment and dedication to their club or organisation for at least 15 years, in recognition of their long-standing service to the 29er class association.

The 29er is one of the youth classes the RYA supports on the pathway to Olympic sailing.

Mr and Mrs Allen were presented with the award by Princess Anne at the RYA's annual awards ceremony in London on Friday, November 24.

The Allen's was among 58 awards presented to boating's most dedicated volunteers this year.

The couple were nominated by their club and selected as winners by the RYA honours and awards panel.

Mr Allen said: "We both met through sailing and have now been married 36 years - most of our married life has been socialising and going to different sailing events.

"We have sailed many types of boats, skiffs, dinghies and yachts, at national and international leve. I have also been a senior sailing instructor mainly at Chelmarsh Sailing Club and National Race Officer.

"Cheryl was a power boat instructor and sailed GP 14 and solo and crewed for me on yachts, we both sailed in the Rover Challenge.

"We were both national technical officers at the 2012 Olympics, Cheryl with the Elliott boat and I was with the 49er, we were based in Weymouth/Portland.

"We were over the moon that someone had recognised our contribution over all the years and could not believe it - it did not sink in for a few days.

"Princess Anne was a very friendly person to talk to, she loves sailing and is very knowledgeable. HRH still sails a boat."

Alistair Dickson, RYA director of sport development, added: "Volunteers the lifeblood of our sport.

"The ceremony was an excellent opportunity to celebrate the fantastic work our volunteers do to support boating activity in all forms throughout the UK.

"All of the stories behind these special people have been truly inspiring to hear and it's really an hour to be able to say thank you and celebrate their amazing achievements."

The RYA is boating's national governing body and the volunteer awards are considered the 'MBEs' of the sport, honouring people throughout the UK for their outstanding contributions across all the disciplines the RYA represents, including sailing, windsurfing, powerboating, inland waterways and personal watercraft.