A PAIR of volunteers who prepare pitches in Knutsford have been praised for their work by the county governing body.

Mike Walker, from Egerton Football Club, and Knutsford’s Brian Deeley were named in second and third place respectively in the Cheshire FA Groundsman of the Year competition.

The latter received first prize in last season’s edition.

“The hard work and dedication of groundsmen is something that is often overlooked,” said Simon Gerrard, Cheshire FA’s chief executive.

“For that reason It’s brilliant they can be nominated for an award like this, more so because they're not paid for what they do.”

Both men were nominated by their clubs before a judging panel assessed the playing surfaces at Mereheath Lane and Manchester Road.

Walker and Deeley, along with winner Peter Cope from Sandbach United, will be presented with a certificate at an awards ceremony later this year.