Club president Malcolm Dyson was presented with a life membership during a break in competition in the Seaside Carnival on Saturday.

Dyson has been involved in the club for almost 20 years and has spent the past 14 of those as club president.

The humble club leader was clearly delighted by the honour.

“It was a real surprise to receive the life membership. I had no idea it was happening,” Dyson said.

“It is a big thrill and very rewarding and something I will certainly cherish.”

Warrnambool mayor Michael Neoh made the presentation to Dyson in a highlight of a busy weekend for the club.

Competition began on Friday night and continued throughout the weekend with 133 competitors taking part.

Local shooters were joined by entrants from as far afield as Tasmania, South Australia, New South Wales and the Northern Territory.

Strong numbers and the high calibre of entrants combined to make the event a success, according to organisers.

“This is the third year we have held this event and it is growing every year and attracted some top shooters,” Dyson said.

“People love coming down to Warrnambool to shoot and I think it is going to get even stronger.”

The overall winner of the High Gun award for the weekend was 16-year-old Thomas Pilgrim from Beaufort who also claimed first place in the junior section.

Melbourne’s Alan Bebend took out the AA grade.

The A grade winner was Greg James from Central Wimmera, B grade was taken out by Lachie Wilde from Horsham, C grade by Warrnambool’s Mishay Chambers, Wally Wombwell from Tyrendarra won the veterans while Fiona Dobbins won the women’s competition.

The two feature events of the weekend were held yesterday with Amanda Holt from Colac shooting a perfect score of 206 from 206 to win the 50-target double barrel competition.

 The 25-target handicap was won by Andrew Estcourt from Cohuna.