Sat alone in a hut while everyone else enjoys an afternoon of fun in the sunshine - some might see the job of cricket scorer as a thankless one.

Not Christopher Sharp.

After 36 years and almost 1,000 matches Staplehurst Cricket Club’s long-time match scorer remains as dedicated to his job and as passionate about his sport as when he took up the role.

Already the proud holder of an OSCA – Outstanding Service to Cricket Award – the 53-year-old club devotee, who lives in Marden lane, Staplehurst, has now been nominated for a Pride of Maidstone Award.

Do you know someone who deserves a Pride of Maidstone award? Download a form by clicking here.

His father Robin Sharp, 85, praised his son for overcoming learning difficulties to make a contribution to the community and “making the most of life”.

“His enthusiasm for the game far outweighs mine,” he said. “He became the official scorer for Staplehurst Cricket Club in 1972, then in 1988 took the scorer’s exam.”

He added: “The cricket umpiring scorers expect a high level of accuracy – he’s very thorough when he does his scoring and puts more information down than he needs to.”

The Kent Messenger is relaunching its Pride of Maidstone Awards as part of our 150th anniversary celebrations.

Young heroes can be nominated for a Maidstone Marvel Award.

Download the form using the link above to nominate your unsung heroes.