A WELL-known face in county club cricket is to be honoured with an award for his services to the sport.

Bill Tansell, of Bilford Avenue, is set to be presented with the Leslie Jones Secretarial Trophy by the Midlands Cricket Club Conference at their annual dinner at the National Motorcycle Museum in March.

The 54-year-old has devoted 40 years of his life to cricket, beginning as a founder member of Broad Run Cricket Club in 1964. The club then amalgamated with Worcester Strollers in 1974 to become Worcester Taverners and is now known as Worcester Cricket Club.

Starting as a player, Tansell has since been the club's umpire, chairman for 13 years and fixture secretary for 27 years. He has also been a league delegate, committee member for more than 30 years and is currently welfare officer.

Yet, he was taken aback when told he was to receive the award.

"I was totally surprised," Tansell said. "I didn't know anything about it. I had no idea I had been nominated.

"You hear about people getting awards but you never think it's going to be yourself."