WORCESTERSHIRE Virtue Empire’s Brian Williams is British Dodgeball's first dodgeballer of the year with 760 for 39 per cent of the vote.

Williams, who was nominated by his club, founded Virtue in 2014 and has developed the sport and got the community involved.

Last year, he announced Virtue’s debut as a professional team and they ended 2017 third in British Dodgeball Division Two.

Williams raised money for Bethany’s Legacy by hosting a league and played on the charity's team.

He started Stourbridge Carnage in January and was among the first group in the world to pass the level three dodgeball coach award and British Dodgeball’s tutor award.

The nominations are decided via the players and the committee shortlisted five who were put to the vote by the general public.

“Winning the award felt phenomenal,” said Williams.

“I was the least-known nominee of the five shortlisted candidates.

"All the other nominees had international experience in the sport whereas I have kept the sport local.

"My focus is to engage society and educate them to either support our sport or get on the court with aspirations to represent Virtue for fun or professionally with an ambition to represent England or Great Britain.”

Virtue train six days a week across Worcester, Droitwich, Kidderminster, Bewdley, Redditch and Stourbridge.

They cater for players of all ages and experience levels.

For information on joining, call Williams on 07935 747401.