Milnthorpe Primary School is saying goodbye to their volunteer table tennis coach, who is stepping down from the role.
Norman Philbey has been coaching at the school since 2016, helping many of the students achieve results in local and national competitions.
His coaching experience spans several decades, and he has been a source of inspiration for countless students.
Seamus Hanna, his successor, is set to continue the school's table tennis tradition.
Mr Philbey helped young players improve their skills, develop discipline, and find a passion for table tennis.
Recently, Mr Philbey was awarded the Table Tennis England Cloudathlete Pride of Table Tennis Award for Contribution to Table Tennis.
This award recognises his dedication to the sport and his positive impact on young athletes.
Although he could not attend the award ceremony, one of his former players, George Mason, collected the award on his behalf at the National Table Tennis Championships in Nottingham.
The Milnthorpe community celebrated Mr Philbey's achievement in a ceremony upon his return.
George Mason presented the award to his former coach, marking a special moment in the school's table tennis history.
As Mr Philbey prepares for the next chapter of his life, the staff and pupils of Milnthorpe Primary School expressed their gratitude for his years of dedication.
Paul Macfarlane, Milnthorpe's headteacher, said: "Norman has been more than just a coach to our pupils; he’s been a mentor, a role model, and a true inspiration.
"We will always be grateful for the impact he has had on our pupils, and we wish him all the best for the future."
With Seamus Hanna taking over the coaching role, Milnthorpe Primary School is looking forward to the future of its table tennis programme.
Mr Philbey’s legacy is set to continue through the students he has mentored and the values he encouraged, including perseverance, teamwork and an interest in the sport.
The school thanked Mr Philbey for his contribution to Milnthorpe Primary School and the sport of table tennis.
They said he will always be remembered as a champion of the game and an inspiration to all who have had the privilege to work with him.
