BURY Broncos chairman Ryan Lewis was named volunteer of the year at Rugby League's annual awards night.

Lewis picked up his award as the sport's wider community gathered at Old Trafford before Saturday's Grand Final, when Wigan beat Warrington to claim the Super League title.

It is the second straight year the Broncos, which plays at Philips High School in Whitefield and celebrate their 10th birthday next season, have been honoured at the national ceremony following Dave Kelly's award as coach of the year in 2015.

Lewis said: “It’s great that people are taking note of the fantastic strides being made off the field, and hopefully this bodes well for the future of the club to be built on these solid foundations.

"The next couple of years will be big ones for the Broncos on and off the field as we approach our 10th birthday, and continue to introduce more people to the game of rugby league."

The Broncos' first team finished fifth in Division Two of the North West Men's League this season, it's highest ever finish.

They missed out on a place in the play-offs after losing their final game after spending the entire campaign in the top four.

Lewis added that, despite the award recognising his individual efforts, it also reflected the hard work put in by all the volunteers who help run the club, making it thrive and grow.

The judges praised his key role in the development of the club and how he has continued to meet the challenges of leadership as the Broncos develop at great pace.