THE unsung heroes of local cricket enjoyed their much deserved moment in the spotlight at Kent's St Lawrence County ground where they were recipients of this year's Alan Albury Cricket Awards.

Introduced to honour those who have given their time and effort to recreational cricket over many years, this was the fourth year of the awards for people who show continued loyalty to their clubs and to grass roots cricket as a whole.

The awards were presented by James Tredwell during the lunch interval on the Thursday of Kent's LV Championship match with Worcestershire after which the winners enjoyed a very good lunch.

The 2007 winners were:

PAUL BIRKS of Dartford Postal, played for many years for Dartford Wednesday and Dartford Postal and was instrumental in the merger of the two clubs. He has been secretary, treasurer and is now fixture secretary.

SYDNEY CHAPPELL of Mounts and Tyler Hill, A founder member of Mounts over 50 years ago and the club's only fixture secretary. He has also been fixture secretary of Tyler Hill for almost as many years. Player, captain and organiser and a fully qualified umpire.

JAN CULLEN of Ramsgate Corinthian. Over 50 years of dedicated service and now vice-chairman, scorer and tea lady.

MICHAEL CULLEN of Ramsgate Corinthian. Club president and treasurer A member for over 50 years who now umpires.

PHILIP HOBBS of Southborough. Groundsman since 1975 who has produced wickets of the highest standard.

JIM McILHATTON of Hadlow. The club’s president and a player for over 45 years. Has held all club offices and is a tremendous fund raiser.

JOHN PRATT of Blackheath Wanderers and City of London. Club President and member for over 40 years. Player, assistant-groundsman, barman, cleaner and coach to young players.

MIKE PARNELL of St. Margaret’s. A long-serving member and now chairman and groundsman, having undertaken training, and bar manager.

LESLIE SMITH of Addington Village. Member for 25 years and former club secretary for 18 years. President since 2003.

JIM WATSON of Challock. Founder member who still plays into his 70s. Mows the outfield, looks after machinery, repairs wickets.

ROGER WILLIS of Murston. Club Member for 45 years, fixture secretary for 36 years and committee member for 37 years.