THE county Playing Fields Association has presented its first ever Volunteer of the Year Award to Roger Ovett of the Angus Buchanan VC Memorial Recreation Ground in Coleford.

At the recent annual meeting Roger was awarded a commemorative tankard by the association's president, Dame Janet Trotter. Against what was described as "stiff competition from across the county", he was presented with the award for his "outstanding contribution to the Angus Buchanan VC Memorial Recreation Ground, as a volunteer ands committee member".

The Recreation Ground's nomination for Roger states: "We are all volunteers in working for a cause and a facility which means so much to all of us in Coleford. However, Roger's contribution is truly outstanding whether it is in the practical work needed to maintain and improve the grounds in such an admirable state, or in maintaining everyone's morale and good cheer in hard times."

•The Trust which maintains the Buchanan Grounds has ambitious plans ahead for the recreation space. Toilets, snacks and shelter are planned, and trustees also expect to start transforming the pavilion in the coming year.