JEAN GIRVIN has been named as League Volunteer of the Year and will receive her award during the Carnegie Challenge Cup at Wembley on August 25.

Jean has been a volunteer with the Mark Norris Construction NW Counties League for more than 20 years.

She began as results and press officer for the League - a role she still has - and took over as registration secretary 10 years ago.

Jean has also been largely responsible for the organisation of the annual dinner which was a record near 400 people this year.

"I was shocked when I got the call. It's always nice to be appreciated, but I've always been interested in the game from being a little girl when my mother helped at one of the kiosks on Naughton Park," said Jean, who like Ron was in fact born within a few hundred yards of the Widnes ground although they have lived in Up Holland since 1963.

"I've tried to help Ron since he took over as secretary 28 years ago and love the involvement."

Sons Ian and Neil will be at Wembley to see the presentation. Ian is in his 20th year as treasurer and Neil his 16th - currently as fixture secretary.

Jean's is one of six awards being presented for various roles. The winners were selected by an independent panel after winning awards at Service Area level and will be presented with their awards by Richard Lewis, the RFL Executive Chairman.

Richard Lewis said, "These awards are further proof of how valuable volunteers are to the game. It is a great way to recognise the vital work that the thousands of volunteers do and I am sure that the winners will all enjoy a great day out at Wembley."