We would like to say a huge congratulations to Bob Anderson who was presented with the British Empire Medal for his voluntary services to sport last night, here at The Academy at Shotton Hall.
Bob runs the Peterlee Martial Arts Club and has done so, voluntarily, since 1984. The club is held here at the Academy twice a week and has seen many people reach black belt level thanks to Bob's training.
Bob was secretly nominated for the medal by a student of the karate class and an ex-colleague. He appeared in the Queen's Birthday Honours List earlier this year before being awarded the medal last night by Lord Lieutenant, Mrs Sue Snowdon in front of a crowd of students, ex-colleagues and his adoring friends and family.
Not only has Bob been involved in martial arts but he also founded the Peterlee Celtic Football Club which progressed into the Senior League and joined Peterlee and District Sunday League, all while running his own engraving business. In 2012, Bob added to his list of achievements when he ran through Peterlee with the Olympic torch after being nominated for all his hard work.
Congratulations Bob from everyone at The Academy at Shotton Hall!