HUNDREDS of people gathered at Thornwell FC on Saturday, to watch the Lord Lieutenant for Gwent honour the club with a prestigious Queen's Award for Voluntary Service.

To mark the occasion, the club held a community fun day, offering a host of fun activities for children and families including Go-Karting, a bouncy castle, face-painting, vintage stalls, miniature train rides, and the ever-popular all-day BBQ.

Crowds were entertained with demonstrations from Chepstow Tae Kwon-Do Club and Kestrel Gymnastics, as well as live music including a stunning performance by 10-year-old Morgan John, who wowed the audience with her rendition of two Adele songs.

At 2pm, the Lord Lieutenant for Gwent, Simon Boyle, took to the stage with his county clerk, Malgwyn Davies and Chepstow town councillor, Marian Lewis, who nominated the club for the award, to present Thornwell FC Chairman, Steve Parker, with the official certificate on behalf of the Queen.

In his speech, he commended the club for its dedication to providing youngsters from disadvantaged backgrounds the opportunity to become involved with sports and for the continuous support it offered to the community through fundraising events and activities.

He added: "It is a great day for the club. Over 400 organisations from across the UK were nominated this year, and out of those, 130 won awards. Thornwell Football Club was one of only two in Wales to win the award, and I congratulate all those who have been involved with making the club such an important part of the community."

He then wished the club the best of luck for the future before presenting Mr Parker with the certificate.

Both Cllr Lewis and Mr Parker spoke a few words to the crowd, reiterating their thanks to all those who had worked to make the club such a success. Mr Parker said: "We believe in building winning people and we are looking forward to the future."

Monmouth MP, David Davies attended the celebrations, taking full advantage of the Gladiator-style fun challenge, to battle against Thornwell County Councillor, Armand Watts. Taking the victory, Cllr Watts said: "What a great day it is for the community and I am so proud of everyone for pulling together such a successful event.

"I am especially proud of the club for winning the Queen's Award and am confident the club will continue going from strength to strength."

Also in attendance was Monmouth AM, Nick Ramsay, who said: "It's a fantastic day and such a great celebration for the community. I really congratulate everyone who has been involved with the club for winning this prestigious award."