Super-volunteer Steve Bispham has been honoured by Table Tennis England for his dedication to the sport in Folkestone.

Bispham, 78, won the Contribution to Table Tennis category in the Cloudathlete Pride of Table Tennis Awards for his work over several decades with the Folkestone & District Table Tennis Association.

He couldn’t collect his award in person, but a citation read out at the ceremony showed why he was a worthy winner.

“Steve Bispham has made a lasting contribution through his work with the Folkestone & District Table Tennis Association, strengthening league structures and competitive opportunities across the district,” the awards were told.

“Holding the role of vice-chair for 28 years amongst other roles is dedication that has helped sustain participation and ensure table tennis continues to thrive locally.”

Bispham started his table tennis journey in the 1980s when he and some cricket team-mates were looking for something to do during the winter months, and one suggested table tennis.

“We formed a little club and put a team into the bottom division of the local league,” Bispham said, “and I gradually got better, as did most of the others.

“We ended up in the Premier Division of the Folkestone League, where I still am, and I started playing in the Ashford League as well.

“Beyond that, at some point I joined the local league committee and became secretary - and I still am after what must be close to 30 years. I was involved in the county committee for a while as treasurer as well.

“I still play well once or twice a week even though I’m approaching 80.

“It’s been good for fitness and general health, though you slow down with age and reactions are slightly slower. It’s good socially as well, we usually go and have a drink afterwards and have a chat after matches.”

On winning the award, he added: “I was really surprised and immensely honoured. I didn’t expect anything like that, so I was really chuffed.

“I’m by no means the only person in our league that does stuff for table tennis - and I get out of it as much as I put in.

“I’ve been proud and honoured and been happy to have been connected with table tennis for so long. And I’m hoping to get a few years more out of playing it.”