CORNISH Rebels chairman John Beach said he was “overwhelmed” to win a national award for his work promoting the club and rugby league in the Duchy.

He was given the Community Volunteer of the Year gong at the annual RFL Community Awards, held at Old Trafford in Manchester before the Grand Final took place between St Helens and Wigan Warriors on Saturday.

Judges gave the award to Beach who helped set up the club in January 2013 to get the county on the rugby league map.

His efforts since co-establishing the team has seen him follow them home and away each week and talking about the side outside of match-days.

Speaking about his award win, Beach said he was pleased to win but feels like he is just doing his job.

Beach said: “When they said I had won it was quite a big shock.

“At the end of the day you do what you because it is what you want to do and that is part of the reason why I helped start the club up in the first place.

“I really don’t see what I do as volunteering, so getting recognised in this way is a bit overwhelming and it’s taken a few days to sink in.”

Last season saw the side based at The Rec in Redruth win all the major trophies in the South West including the Premier Division title and Challenge Cup crown.

Beach explained the onfield success has only made the work he puts in more rewarding.

“Everyone is happy at the club,” he said.

“Seeing the side progress and winning all these trophies is great because it makes all the hard work behind the scenes more worthwhile.”