Cobham-based Rowland Pollitt has received a certificate of commendation from the English Bowls Coaching Scheme, writes Mike Haigh.

A statement from the EBCS said that Pollitt, a member of Oxshott Bowls Club, was awarded for his exceptional service to the art of coaching.

Pollitt, honorary vice-president of Surrey County Bowling Association and a life member of Surrey Indoor Bowling Association, said: "I began coaching in 1986 and have been involved in setting up courses for the training of club coaches."

He also wrote a manual on how club coaches should go about teaching beginners and set up a school of excellence course.