BLANDFORD Cricket Club’s work in the community has been rewarded with a prestigious honour.

The club was awarded the Jack Douch award for cricket in the community at the Dorset Cricket Board’s recent annual ceremony.

The trophy is given in memory of the late Jack Douch, whose family company sponsored cricket in the county for more than a decade, through its Dorset Funeral Plan.

Mr Douch was a huge fan of the sport and, after he died 11 years ago, the family introduced the award in his honour.

Last year, Blandford almost won it and this year the judging panel chose them to receive the trophy and £400, in recognition of what the club does for the town community, including in its recruitment, improved facilities and outreach.

Jack’s grandson, Nick Douch, presented the award to Dave Abbott, chair of Blandford CC.

Dave said: “It’s absolutely brilliant. We do a lot for the community and they really appreciate it. The money will be put to very good use.”

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Nick added: “I know the club was close last year and they’ve kept up their efforts which benefit the town.

“My grandfather would have been delighted with all the work going on at clubs across the county, and especially what Blandford is doing.

“There are great efforts to get children – boys and girls – playing the sport and the women’s game is really picking up.

“So much work goes on and it is carried out by an army of volunteers without whom we’d have no organised cricket.

“Blandford runs three senior men’s teams and next season looks like it will be another cracking season across the county – especially if the weather is kind.”