A GRANDFATHER who spends up to eight hours a day maintaining a sportsfield in West Oxfordshire has been recognised for his work.

Norrie Aitken, 73, volunteers up to six days a week to look after the playing fields and pitches around Cassington Sports and Social Club.

He won the unsung hero award at the annual West Oxfordshire Sports Awards last week at Witney Lakes Resort.

Mr Aitken said: “I am very pleased “It is nice to be recognised occasionally.

“Like most people like me, we need to be busy. Since I retired I have not done anything else.”

The grandfather-of-five, who lives next to the sports ground in Elms Road, has been working on the pitches for the past eight years.

He said: “I started pottering about, cutting the grass around the pavilion, and the guy that used to do it could not do it anymore.

“They decided they needed someone to cut the field and I took that on board. I have got a little dog and we walked around there anyway.

“I like being out in the fresh air. It is quite therapeutic really.

“It saves the club money as well.”

Committee member Kate Rogers said: “Norrie is completely committed and utterly reliable and always works with a smile.”

The sports club of the year award went to the Carterton Gymnastics Club, based in Upavon Way, for its achievements and its close links with the community.

The club has 100 children on its books and last year coached a squad to the county and regional level and a veteran gymnast to the national level.

Head coach Debra Courtney-Crane said: “This is a fantastic achievement for the club and volunteers who give up so much of their time.”

The coach of the year award went to Chipping Norton Rugby Club’s senior coach, Andy Dawson. In the past decade, he has coached three players who were selected for the England under 18s squad.

Mr Dawson said: “I really enjoy coaching enabling the next generation of rugby players to reach their potential, and helping the development of our future coaches.”

The awards are run by West Oxfordshire District Council in partnership with GLL Sports Foundation.