A HORSELL Bowling Club stalwart is celebrating receiving a loyal service award for her outstanding efforts on behalf of fellow members.

Val Challiss gained the highest accolade given by Surrey County Women’s Bowling Association.

It is given only to women who work hard behind the scenes for their club over a period of time.

This is certainly true of Val, who joined Horsell Bowling Club in 2002 and has been club secretary for the past 12 years. She is also a second-level coach and was coaching administrator for three years.

Val was rewarded for going above and beyond her duties as secretary. She organises a Tuesday trophy game for all the male members, and more recently has started a ladies’ trophy game every Monday.

She is known to be passionate about welcoming new members into the club and takes a special interest in their progress.

And fellow members agreed that she is a thoroughly deserving recipient of the award.