The honour recognised his work with the club as 'A' Team Manager, Newcastle Falcons Club Connections Ambassador, County Representative and O2 Touch Operator.

As reward for this David and Rachael were invited to Twickenham for England Rugby's national Mitsubishi Motors Volunteer of the Year awards ceremony along with 40 other finalists from around the country.

The couple were picked up by Mitubishi Teesside on Thursday to head south for the money can't buy experience and luxury two night stay courtesy of England Rugby.

On Friday the group made the trip to Pennyhill Park, an exclusive 5 star hotel & spa in Surrey, for a tour of England's state of the art training facilities.

Next up was the 40 minute coach journey back to Twickenham, that followed the same route as the national team would on a match day, with a drop off at the iconic Rose & Poppy Gates.

A behind the scenes tour of Twickenham included the England home dressing room, Royal Box and Council Chambers before checking in to the Stadium's Marriott Hotel to get ready for the nights main event.

The ceremony was held in the 500 capacity 'Spirit of Rugby Suite' and hosted by Sky Sports presenter Alex Payne.

Four overall winners were announced throughout the evening and each were awarded the use of a Mitsubishi car for the next 12 months.

Speaking of the event David said: "What an experience! Me and Rachael have had an absolutely fantastic weekend.

"Not only did we get a behind the scenes look at Twickenham and Pennyhill Park but we had a great evening at the awards dinner and got to meet some inspirational volunteers from around the country. Two of which, Adam from Colne & Nelson RFC and Andrew from Sandal RUFC, I will certainly be keeping in touch with.

"I would like to pay particular thanks to Neil from Mitsubishi Teesside who drove us to and from the event, Jill Loader of the RFU and especially Stewart Hind and my club for nominating me."

Hartlepool Rugby Club are incredibly proud of David's achievement of being recognised as one of 40 of the most dedicated and committed volunteers from around the country.

We are sure that he will continue to go from strength to strength as a leader not only within our club, but also within the County and regional game.