NEW awards recognising exceptional service to cricket have been granted to 10 recipients.

The awards are in the name of Alan Albury, the former chairman of the Association of Kent Cricket Clubs (now the Kent Cricket Board clubs committee).

Two Street End members, John Wells and John Marsh, who between them have given more than a century of service to the club, were among the inaugural recipients at a lunch at the St Lawrence Ground at Canterbury.

The others were Claude Heath, of Macknade; Norman Banfield, Bickley Park; David Deverill, Cowden; James Gradden, Dymchurch; Gordon 'Slim' Kemlo, EEM; Arthur Kemp, Nelson; William Moys, Murston; and Lesley Nower, Sandwich.

Jim Cheeseman, who, as secretary of the KCB, has special responsibility for clubs, said: "Alan Albury did an enormous amount for cricket, and the people receving the awards have each given at least 40 years' service to the clubs which nominated them."

Each winner was presented with a framed citation by Jack Overy, former president of both Kent County Cricket Club and the AKCC.

Mr Cheeseman said: "It was particularly appropriate for Jack Overy to present the awards as he had so many roles in cricket and was responsible for recruiting Alan Albury to cricket administration."