A volunteer at Portslade Cricket Club has been awarded with The NatWest CricketForce Award for outstanding contribution to cricket during a ceremony at Lord's Cricket Ground.

Andy Glover, 55, development officer for Portslade Cricket Club, was awarded for helping to transform the pitch at Benfield Valley into one of the best pitches in their division.

Working at the club for 11 years, Mr Glover, with support from the council, treated the grass and cut back trees and bushes which raised the pitch to higher than the appropriate standard.

Speaking of his recognition he said: “This award is not for me; it’s a club award and without the other people involved, nothing would ever get done.

“It was an amazing day that I will never forget; Kevin Pietersen had just released his autobiography and it was interesting to have a chat with Michael Vaughan and Graeme Swan.”

Mr Glover was also recognised for expanding the community side of the club which now has a growing disabled side plus a girls' side.

Despite both Mr Glover’s sons playing cricket on and off for the club, plus his obvious passion for Portslade Cricket Club, he says he hates the game because the ball hurts.

Portslade Cricket Club hopes that two of their growing teams will be able to play at Brighton Aldridge Community Academy, subject to a committee meeting, while Benfield Valley will still be the home for the club.

The presentation took place at Lord's Cricket Ground on October 6.