'OUTSTANDING in his field' — that's what many cricket lovers in West Devon think of a Lewdown man who this week has won recognition for his services to the local game.

Now Brenden Worth of Lewdown Cricket Club hopes that his recognition at a prestigious awards ceremony will inspire a new generation of volunteers to get involved in recreational cricket.

Brenden, 39, has been a long-term contributor to the coaching and management team at his club's junior section and will now receive an automatic nomination for the national awards to be held at Lord's cricket ground, after being named Devon's winner for 'Building Partnerships'  at the NatWest Outstanding Service to Cricket Awards (OSCAs).

He received his award at a special presentation held at Somerset County Cricket in Taunton during a recent 20/20 game.

Brenden said: 'It was a great honour to receive the award and I hope that more people take the opportunity to contribute to grassroots cricket.'

 'Lewdown Cricket Club has a strong junior set-up and relies on volunteers to deliver coaching to the age group teams.'

The club holds the prestigious ECB ClubMark and Focus Club status and ECB qualified coaches provide weekly training for adults and juniors at the Recreation Field.

U11s, U13s and U15s play in local competitive leagues, the adult first XI play in the Devon League and the second XI play in the Tamar League as do the evening XI.

Lewdown CC has already seen a massive rise in membership and the club has former England player and coach Peter Lever as its head coach. 

The club has been backed in its youth efforts by Awards for All, Grassroots Funding, West Devon Borough Council, O2 and EX20 Lottery Funding.

Brenden delivers cricket sessions to children at ten West Devon schools.

More than 120 hours of coaching has already been delivered this year.

Brenden is also the team manager of West Devon Girls U13s.

One of those congratulating Brenden on his award is Okehampton Community and Recreation Association's Stuart Lord, who said: 'It has been excellent working with Brenden in order that OCRA can add cricket activities to holiday time and after school activity. Lewdown Cricket Club provides a great opportunity for local children to develop skills and enjoy the game of cricket.

'Brenden has helped with children who are considered "elite" as well as those struggling with fundamental movement and skill acquisition.' 

Alison Ewen, the head teacher of Boasley Cross Primary School, said: 'It's been a real pleasure watching you coach the children and see their enthusiasm for the game develop. The children have had a wonderful opportunity to develop their skills in this sport and six children are now attending Lewdown cricket

She said his efforts and that of Lewdown is especially appreciated in a small rural school with just a few staff 'where it is very difficult to provide enough after school clubs.'

Kui Holmes, headteacher of Lifton School, added: 'As a result of his coaching, Lifton was able to make representation at a local Inter School tournament.  The school would not have had the opportunity to enter such a tournament without this level of coaching from Mr Worth.'

Other headteachers adding their congratulations are Ann Mitchell of Lamerton Primary School and Holly Torvell of St Giles on the Heath Primary.

Brenden will be going to Lords later in the year to the national awards with other winners from Devon, where England players are expected to be present at the ceremony.