John Collins is a famous name in Welsh golf. As the junior organiser at Brynhill for 22 years he was responsible for fostering and helping such prestigious talents as Steve Dodd, Iestyn Taylor and Kyron Sullivan.

A member of the Glamorgan County Executive for nearly 15 years, he is currently the junior secretary and works unstintingly for young golfers in the county.

As a mark of respect, in a recent awards ceremony at the Forest of Arden Golf Club, John was awarded the Sir Henry Cotton Award by the Golf Foundation.

This is an award where the foundation recognises the achievements of volunteers, one that is given to people who have demonstrated meritorious service to junior golf over a sustained period.

It is a thoroughly deserved accolade for one of the great figures in Welsh amateur golf. Sir Michael Bonallack presented the award, one that John - a modest man, to say the least - was happy to accept, even if he did not particularly enjoy making the speech afterwards.

"My only regret," he said, "is that my wife Pat couldn't be here to enjoy the moment. She died last year but anything I have done in junior golf is down to her as much as me. "She was always there in the background, helping the youngsters, supporting them. "She was very much the unsung hero and was an unofficial mother to hundreds of youngsters who came through Brynhill and the Glamorgan county side."

John Collins is an amazing man, someone who has devoted his life to helping young golfers.

He and his wife Pat were, for many years, the rock upon which Glamorganshire golf was based.

John will undoubtedly continue his work in the months and years ahead.

Congratulations to John Collins. A well deserved honour!