ROYAL Wootton Bassett rugby club have picked up two awards at the Dorset & Wilts RFU annual general meeting.

Chairman Chris Elias won the Bowden Wildash Award for D&W volunteer of the year, while the club as a whole received the Bob Stock Award.

The Bob Stock Award is presented to the club which provides the best matchday experience over the course of the season.

Every time a referee visits a club for a junior or senior match, they mark the club over a number of criteria - including how they are welcomed, how they are looked after post-match, availability of linesmen, first aid, how the pitches are prepared, and the standard of behaviour of spectators and members during the match.

“This is the first time we have won this award and it is another tremendous example of how people value their experience when they come to Bassett,” said Elias.

“I am delighted to accept the award (the Bowden Wildash Award) on behalf of all our club members who do so much to make Royal Wootton Bassett rugby club the best club in Dorset and Wiltshire.”

Meanwhile, Dorset & Wilts RFU have made a donation of £1,000 to a military support charity, SSAFA, following the success of their Sausage and Cider Festival.