TWO men from Cornwall have been presented with a lifetime achievement award for their service to Surf Life Saving.

Peter Vickery, from Bude Surf Life Saving Club and Richard Trewella from Newquay Surf Life Saving Club, have worked tirelessly for their clubs over the last 50 years.

Their commitment and dedication has been recognised by Surf Life Saving Great Britain and at their Heroes of the Surf Award, held at St Lukes University, Exeter, both men were presented with their awards by Marc Jenkins. Marc is the Great Britain triathlete who, at the 2004 Olympic Games, is well remembered for courageously carrying his bike two kilometres after it was damaged so he could complete the event, still finishing ahead of others.

Peter has been a member of the club at Bude since its inception in 1953 and even now is still a very active member. He belongs to a very small group of people who are known, both locally and nationally, by one name and that name is synonymous with surf life saving, 'Vicko'.

He competed for the club for many years, before becoming chief instructor and trainer. He was recognised nationally as the top rescue and resuscitation coach in the country, leading Bude to the national title on numerous occasions. In 2003, to celebrate Bude's 50th anniversary, 'Vicko' organised a surf carnival at the club.

This was the first surf carnival to be held by a club for many years and such was its success, it has been kept on the surf life saving calendar.

This year's event will be held on Sunday, July 4, with clubs from Cornwall and Devon taking part and once again he will lead proceedings.

A spokesperson said: "Both these men thoroughly deserve the recognition they have gained and are shining examples of what a committed clubbie really is."