One of the oldest and most established netball clubs in Cornwall has celebrated its 50th year with an end of year celebration and birthday party at the Merchants Manor Hotel in Falmouth.

More than 150 players, coaches, parents and volunteers from Penryn Netball Club attended the celebration.

The club, originally formed in 1967, trains at Penryn College, has a Silver CAPS award and is England Netball and Clubmark accredited.

The club has both a vibrant junior and senior section and all of the players came together to celebrate another successful season.

The junior teams which play in the Cornwall League were recognised for their dedication and determination and rewarded by both players and coaches collectively and individually. The Under 12’s won the most improved team in the Cornwall Netball League.

A particular highlight in the 50th year was the Under 14’s Sapphire squad, sponsored by the University of Exeter, who competed in the Regional Division 2 competition where they finished as runners up after a very closely contested final game against Swindon.

Sponsors University of Exeter said "We are committed to supporting junior sport in our community and have enjoyed following the progress of the under-14s this year; they’ve had a terrific season. Knowing that our sponsorship has enabled Sapphires to compete and succeed at a regional level is very rewarding.’

The senior teams had another successful year building on league wins in Division One in both 2014 and 2015. The year also saw dedicated club member Jackie Tresidder win ‘Lifetime Services to Sport Award’ in the Cornwall Sports Awards for her volunteer work at the club.

Jackie also went on to win the ‘Unsung Hero’ award at the South West Netball Golden Globe Awards, along with Debbie Ashworth, one the of club’s affiliated umpires, who collected the ‘Grassroots Officials Award’ as well as the ‘Heather Crouch Award’ for outstanding contribution to netball in the South West. Debbie has also recently been selected to umpire in the England Netball Premiere League competition.

Club chairperson Clare Spear said: "It’s been a brilliant year knowing we are all part of such a well-established and successful club, it’s great to take the time to celebrate all of the hard work of the players, coaches, umpires and volunteers. Penryn Netball Club is like a giant extended family and we are looking forward to the next generation of players enjoying everything the club has to offer."

The club will start to train at the end of August for the next season and welcomes new players, sponsors and volunteers in both its junior and senior sections. To enquire please contact info@penrynetballclub.org or visit www.penrynnetballclub.org