A RESIDENT of Bridestowe rubbed shoulders with a string of celebrities at the Savoy Hotel in London recently when he was presented with a national sporting award.

John Burgess won the Outstanding Achievement in Sport Award at the twelfth annual Help the Aged Not Old Just Older awards ceremony — presented in recognition of those who have made a real difference to the lives of older people.

Mr Burgess, a member of Tavistock Tennis Club, won an award for the time he devotes in playing tennis with 94-year-old fellow member Jim Roe.

The event was attended by TV star Dale Winton, Sir Norman Wisdom, entertainer Patti Boulaye plus a host of other supporters — hostess for the day was broadcaster Angela Rippon, who used to live near Tavistock.

Mr Burgess said winning the award came 'out of the blue'.

'I didn't have a clue, I didn't know anything about it at all. I don't like to use the word flabbergasted, but I was certainly pleasantly surprised!' he said.

He said he 'thoroughly enjoyed' meeting the stars, particularly Angela Rippon.

'She pricked up her ears when she heard the word Tavistock,' said Mr Burgess, who was full of praise for the prestigious event.

'It really was something, really very professional,' he said.

Mr Burgess, who handles publicity for the tennis club and plays twice a week himself, was awarded a certificate by former ice skating champion Robin Cousins.

Mr Roe described the award as 'super'.

He said: 'John is a very civic-minded person. I'm very pleased indeed for him.'

Mr Roe has been playing tennis since 1926 and since he retired, said he has more time to concentrate on his game.

He said he sometimes gave Mr Burgess 'a hard time' on the courts during their weekly tennis sessions.

'I'm getting better — years ago my tennis was atrocious!' said Mr Roe.

Mike Jefferies, Tavistock Tennis Club chairman, said it was 'a great pleasure' to nominate Mr Burgess for the award.

Said Mr Jefferies: 'We are particularly proud that John has won this award as he is one of those people who puts others first, who likes to give and not to take.

'Without people like John, clubs would not survive.

'Jim Roe very much appreciates their weekly knock-ups together and they have other common interests in that they both previously lived in Surrey and are supporters of Crystal Palace.'

Mr Burgess' award was open to individuals of retirement age or more who have shown that age need not be an impediment to physical pursuit, and have devoted time and talent for the benefit of others.

It was judged by Sports Minister Kate Hoey and David Welch, the Daily Telegraph sports editor.