VOLUNTEERS who have created sporting initiatives on a Worcester estate have seen their hard work recognised with top community awards.

Newsagent John Williams and volunteer youth worker Dave Yeomans both saw bored youngsters hanging around on the streets of Ronkswood and decided to take action.

Father-of-two and keen fisherman Dave Yeomans saw angling as a way to keep children out of trouble and has run a successful fishing club for youngsters for more than five years.

This summer, Mr Williams from Weston's News, Lichfield Avenue, set up football training sessions. Soon, around 60 budding Beckhams were turning up for training at Ronkswood Community Centre each week.

In recognition of their unpaid and pioneering work, both were invited to the Sports Worcester presentations at Worcester Rugby Club's Sixways ground.

After talks by Worcester badminton star Simon Archer, the packed crowd saw Mr Williams made the city's community sportsman for 2003.

Ronkswood Fishing Club was named Worcester's team of the year.

"We both set up these schemes to help the kids on the estate, it is so important to give children quality time," said Mr Yeomans of Carlisle Road.

Training

"I've had great community backing from individuals, the police, Environment Agency, the community centre and the Punchbowl pub, who let us use their lakes.

"The fishing club has had around 15 children turn up each week, they've been able to compete, get into the countryside and it gives them a real break from the estate."

Mr Williams, who is still running a weekly football group at Ronkswood Community Centre throughout the winter said the training was hard going, but worth it.

"We're always on the look out for extra volunteers, but it's really nice to receive this award in recognition of our work and for everyone else involved," he said.

Ronkswood councillor Mike Layland had nothing but praise for their selfless work.

"These awards are absolutely wonderful for the area. Both Dave and John have put in lots of time and effort and it is all credit to them," he said.