ADAM Padgett, a coach at Colne and Nelson rugby club, has carried off a national award to honour grassroots rugby volunteers - now he can drive off in a brand new car.

Padgett, who is renowned for his ability to encourage and nurture young talent in the game, was presented with the Mitsubishi Motors and England’s Rugby Volunteer of the Year prize at a celebratory dinner at Twickenham.

Padgett has coached at the Holt House club for seven years, inspiring a new generation of players, and said: “I’m very proud to be recognised in this way.”

A Rugby Football Union spokesman said: “Adam’s passion as a coach and role model for the players he mentors has seen more people get involved at his local club, Colne and Nelson.

“This passion for the game, and those he coaches, saw Adam nominated for the Mitsubishi Motors Volunteer Recognition Programme, an initiative designed to give rugby communities the opportunity to recognise the volunteers who give so much to the grassroots game.”

Adam was selected from 1,500 nominations across the country as one of the four overall winners and, as part of the prize, Adam will be able to select a Mitsubishi car of his choice to drive for a year.