COTSWOLDS cricketing coach, Brian Gee, has been named HSBC Gloucestershire Coach of the Year.

The 61-year-old from Blockley, who has been coaching youngsters for around eight years, was awarded the prestigious accolade at a ceremony at the Mid-Glos Indoor Bowl Centre at Brockworth.

Cotswold District Council's Youth Sport Development Officer, Simon Dicker, said: "All too often coaches are not thanked for their hard work and numerous hours of voluntary work that they out in.

"These awards off those clubs and individuals who benefit a chance to formally thank the coaches and give them the recognition that they deserve."

There were more than 30 nominations for a selection panel, comprising representatives from sponsors HSBC, Sport England, Sports Coach UK, along with sports development officers and well-known sporting personalities, to considered the following criteria.

Evidence of achievement in coaching, commitment to coach education and personal development and evidence of voluntary commitment to sport and good practice and play.

Brian started with a small group of six children that has now built up to more than 100 boys and girls between the ages of six and 19. Based at Blockley Sports Club, these youngsters now make up North Cotswold Young Cricketers.

It's an entirely voluntary task and one that sees children travelling across four counties to link up with the club. Brian also finds time to coach youth teams in Gloucestershire and Worcestershire.

The county's top coach has also helped other local clubs set up their own junior coaching - his priority being to develop and support young cricketers regardless of their ability.

Blockley Cricket Club has benefited enormously from Brian's support - he is adept at obtaining sponsorship and seeking out grants! As a result the players are always well turned out and proud of their club.

Their good behaviour and fair play both on and off the field is often commented on and it's noticeable that the squads play as a team, both as individuals, and are close friends off the field as well as on it.

Such is the esteem in which Brian is held is that older players will often return for one to one coaching when they might be struggling with their game - surely the utmost respect for a man who has now rightly earned respect countywide.

The awards were presented by Simon Mason, Great Britain's hockey goalkeeper, who won a bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games and has represented his country at two Olympics.

The Blockley club, based at Sparmoor and in conjunction with North Cotswold Young Cricketers, is now embarking on a five-year Youth Sport Club Development Plan.

The idea is to provide an artificial multi-sports games area that will incorporate cricket nets and facilities for football and hockey.