A WORCESTER volunteer for goalball has received one of the highest sports volunteer honours.

Dina Murdie was recognised by HRH Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, at the Torch Trophy Trust awards for her commitment to community sport.

The trust have been celebrating sports volunteers since 1962 with a member of the royal family presenting the accolades each year since 1980.

Murdie was nominated by Goalball UK, the governing body of the Paralympic team sport designed for blind and visually-impaired athletes, for her 30 years of service to the game.

She said: “Goalball has been a big part of my life for three decades and I’ve treasured every moment.

“I’ve had the privilege to see generations of players find their feet as athletes and it has been remarkable to see how goalball changes lives.

“Recognition from the Torch Trophy Trust is a tremendous honour and I hope it will help to raise awareness of this amazing sport.”

Becky Ashworth, national development officer for Goalball UK, said: “It is hard to imagine goalball without Diane.

“From making travel arrangements, orientating at the venues and ensuring a safe environment for players it has enabled hundreds of visually-impaired athletes to be more independent.

“A driving force in recruiting and training referees and volunteers she has been instrumental in the growth of the sport.

“You would be hard pressed to find a player or coach who hasn’t been inspired by Dina.”

Mike Reilly, CEO of Goalball UK, said: “Not only is Dina regularly inspiring people in this country but she has also been responsible for numerous people taking up the sport internationally.

“She represents everything that is special about goalball. We are a community as well as a sport and it is the hundreds of volunteers like Dina who make it possible for us to transform the lives of visually-impaired people.”