Derek Owen took on the task of looking after the centre’s finances as Honorary Treasurer when it was founded in 1991 and served in that post until his retirement from the committee in 2016.

“I cannot think of many volunteers in the Society who have given so generously of their time, ideas and expertise as Derek. If you want to understand what is meant by ‘outstanding service’ then look no further than Derek,” said RTS Honorary Secretary David Lowen.

The Pilgrim Award is named after the long-time Honorary Secretary of the RTS and awarded for outstanding service to the Society by its volunteers, especially those in the regional centres.

Last year, it was awarded to the London Centre’s Terry Marsh and Graeme Thompson (North East and the Border).