Saltash’s Steve Kent has been presented with a special lifetime achievement award for his services to gig rowing.

The award was presented at the River and Rowing Museum in Henley, by Dame Katherine Grainger, who won a silver medal at the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro last year after clinching gold at the London Olympics in 2012.

The accolade for Steve was part of British Rowing’s volunteer and coach of the year awards which saw volunteers from across the country recognised for their contribution to the sport.

Steve is one of the founding members of the Saltash-based Caradon Gig Club, and has won numerous world and county gig rowing titles in both the men’s and veterans’ sections.

Rhiannon Bailey, South West Area participation manager for British Rowing, said: ‘Steve is held in very high esteem throughout the gig rowing community, and has been involved in developing coaching material for a fixed seat qualification, as well as delivering technique workshops for other clubs.

‘New clubs and coaches come to Steve for advice and he has always been open to sharing his experience to support the development of others.‘Steve’s passion for rowing is infectious and there is no doubt he has inspired many people to stay involved in the sport.’ People involved in rowing across the South West have been showing their support for Steve on the gig club’s Facebook page, suggesting recognition is ‘long overdue’ and ‘very much deserved’.