A Maldon resident has won a prestigious award in recognition of her "exceptional" commitment to sailing.

Sheena Berney, who has volunteered for Maldon's Blackwater Sailing Club for almost 40 years, has received an Outstanding Contribution Award by the Royal Yachting Association (RYA).

She said: "I was surprised and thrilled to receive an award for helping members of our club to enjoy the wonderful sport of sailing."

Sheena brings in over 100 new members to the club each year as its current membership secretary, and has played a significant part in the design and organisation of its recent major rebuild.

A spokesperson for the RYA said: "She is an excellent ambassador for the club - someone who sees possible solutions, not problems - and is always willing to help, freely offering her time with a smile."

Sheena is one of 44 volunteers across the UK who have been celebrated by the RYA Volunteer Awards, with recipients nominated by their sailing clubs, class associations and boating communities.

She was presented with her award by Doug MacEwen, the east region chair of RYA, on Saturday, 21 August at an evening ceremony at Blackwater Sailing Club.

The evening coincided with the official opening of the new wing of Blackwater Sailing Club by Jennifer Tolhurst, the lord lieutenant of Essex.

Doug said: "The outstanding achievement award was most appropriate as Sheena, who has served as a volunteer at the Blackwater Sailing Club for over 40 years in various capacities, was repeatedly thanked in speeches throughout the ceremony.

"In her capacity as rear commodore, she was linked to the success of the new building project of the wing being opened.

"In her speech, the Lord Lieutenant referred to the Blackwater Sailing Club as being widely recognised during its long history for its strong volunteering achievements."

Nigel Butler, the club commodore, added: "It was particularly fitting that this presentation was made on the day of our Clubhouse opening ceremony on 21 August since Sheena has done more than anybody to make the whole day a fantastic success attended by over 170 members."

Blackwater Sailing Club is located on Basin Road in Maldon.