TWO new national awards have been won by Canterbury Squash Rackets Club.

Club secretary Sheelagh Higenbottam is the first winner of the national volunteer of the month award, presented by the sport's governing body, England Squash, and the club itself has been awarded priority club status at silver level.

This is recognition by England Squash that the club is well run, open to all, has a flourishing junior section, a hard-working core of volunteers and financial probity.

The club, the first in Kent to achieve the status, will be entitled to priority support and advice in any future grant applications to help fund development.

Representatives from England Squash are due to present the awards on Friday, November 7.