A Hertfordshire-based netball club has been celebrating after picking up a major award at a glittering ceremony.

Turnford Netball Club was presented with the BBC Community Club of the Year Award at the BBC East Sports Awards 2008, held at the Imperial War Museum in Duxford on December 8.

The award recognises the club’s service to the community and its work with volunteers. Turnford fields 18 junior teams and nine senior teams, which requires major support from coaches, umpires, managers and helpers.

Turnford, founded in 1967, fought off stiff competition from Beacon Hill Rovers Football Club and Ipswich Basketball Club to win the coveted title.

Maureen Ball, president and founder of Turnford Netball Club attended the awards ceremony. She said: “I was so proud and shocked when the envelope was opened and our club was named overall winner.”

“Turnford has had an outstanding year, also winning the Hertfordshire Next Generation Award and Hertfordshire Sports Partnership Community Club of the Year award. We are all thrilled with our club’s achievements and I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Hertfordshire Mercury for its support by recording all our results.”

Stewart White hosted the ceremony, which was attended by high profile sporting figures such as John Inverdale and Paula Radcliffe.

England Netball’s East Regional Manager Emily St.John said: “We are extremely proud of Turnford Netball Club’s achievements.  The commitment of their volunteers is outstanding and catering for almost 300 players is a huge accomplishment.

“I am delighted to extend our warmest congratulations to Turnford Netball Club for winning this fantastic award.”

Photo attached shows Maureen Ball, president and founder of Turnford Netball Club