LEDBURY Rugby Club players and supporters received the VIP treatment at the home of English rugby.

The side that plays in the Midlands League took 18 players and officials to Twickenham for the prestigious Crabbie’s National Rugby Awards.

Being just one of six finalist clubs nominated in the "Junior and Mini" category, all from the club eagerly awaited the announcement.

However, Ledbury were ultimately pipped at the post by Birmingham based club, Veseyans.

But this did little however to dampen the spirits of what is recognised as a major achievement for all club rugby at the grass roots level.

"All in all it is recognition of the time and effort put in by all volunteers and parents in maintaining a vibrant and successful club," said Ledbury's Roger Bateson.

"Suffice to say the champagne reception pitch side, first class lunch, and day of entertainment was sufficient reward for all in this instance, but more importantly we all gleaned useful information to help our future attempts in a number of additional award categories."