A couple from Y Felinheli have been recognised for their voluntary work at sailing events.

Robert and Mandy Morsley first got involved when their two children got hooked on the sport - with Robert, aka Moley, driving powerboats to help with mark laying and Mandy providing onshore support as a regatta race officer and a 'house parent' at residential camps.

For their dedication, the pair recently won the Welsh Sailing Impact Award and an 'Unsung Heroes' honour from the Royal Yachting Association (RYA).

Mandy said: "You don’t think of it as volunteering, you do it because the system doesn’t work without people being a part of it, so if someone needs help to run an event, you just go along and do it."

"We’re not ‘sit around’ people so when our own children were taking part we decided to get involved."

"Children are happier if their parents are around to provide support and learn about the sport, and if you’re helping out on the water or on the beach, you’re also getting your Vitamin D and socialising."

"We’ve carried on because you want to know that it’s going to continue and that you’re giving something back because our own children got a lot out of sailing."

"You’re hoping to share your experience with other up and coming parents and get them involved too, so they enjoy being a part of it and have the skills to take over, because the sport doesn’t work without volunteers."

"It means a lot to the children to be competing at events and you want to make sure they have the right support and a really positive experience."

Mandy and Moley, who are both members of the Port Dinorwic Sailing Club (Clwb Hwylio Y Felinheli), first met each other through sailing at a local regatta and over the years, they have raced in a variety of dinghy classes.

Among the pair's work, Mandy was volunteer co-ordinator for the 2015 Optimist European Championships - the first event to be held at the Plas Heli academy near Pwllheli - with Moley volunteering as a mark-layer.

Their children are still involved in sailing - and their daughter, Hatty, is now pathway and events officers for the RYA in Wales.

Sarah McGovern, chief operating officer for RYA Cymru Wales, said: "Moley and Mandy are experienced, qualified and supportive in offering guidance to staff and other volunteers."

"They are great role models showing how to give back to the sport. Support from experienced parents at our events is invaluable because they help to mentor other volunteers and parents."