Bideford Reds' stalwart George Cox

Bideford Amateur Rowing Club stalwart George Cox has been honoured for his many years of work with the club and for sport in general.

George picked up a regional Volunteer of the Year award from West of England ARA chairman Ray Mallett at a surprise presentation at the Bideford Reds clubhouse.

He started his association with the Bideford Reds back in 1950 when he joined the club as a novice and won both the former West of England Under 18 and Junior championships before joining the Merchant Navy, which took him away from the area.

George returned to Bideford and resumed his association with the rowing club in 1978, briefly returning to racing as a veteran before concentrating on training and coaching juniors, a job he still willing undertakes, currently with the Junior 14 squad.

A retired electrician at the local shipyard, George continues to use his skills to undertake jobs at the Reds clubhouse and fills a range of roles, from working behind the bar to cleaning the club on a regular basis with his wife Pauline.

He is also the current chairman of Bideford Regatta Committee and has twice served the Reds as chairman during two different stints at the helm.

He is also a past president of the club.