THE Cheshire Coach of the Year hopes his award can help put Lymm Oughtrington Park "on the map".

Rick Hughes was recognised for his work with last season’s under 13s boys' team, which won the North Cheshire Junior Cricket Association Cup.

Hughes, who retired from playing for the club 10 years ago, was delighted to be short-listed for the award, never mind take first prize.

“We are the smaller club in the area so for one of our coaches to win an award is fantastic and shows we are serious about what we are doing,” he explained.

“It puts Lymm on the map."

Hughes’ son Jake is part of his current under 15s crop, while daughter Sophie also plays for Lymm.

And the award-winning coach stresses the importance of Lymm's junior teams to the club's future.

“My commitment to this age group will take them into senior cricket," he said. "Then perhaps I’ll start all over again.

“They are absolutely the future of the club; it’s not the first team or the second team, but the juniors.

“I’m backed by some great parents and the club have been fantastic.

"We’ve got some great players with great attitudes.

“I’ve been with them for three seasons, developed an understanding and they are able to relax and enjoy their cricket.

“The main things are not be frightened of making mistakes, and to enjoy the process of learning.”

The club were delighted to witness success among their junior ranks last season.

“This was due to the talents of the under 13s boys which had been nurtured and developed by their coach, Rick Hughes," said the committee.

“He has brought a thorough, professional style to his coaching which the boys have obviously taken to in a big way.”

Hughes' reward is an invite as an ECB guest of honour to the England versus New Zealand Test at Headingley.

“Guest of honour does make it sound something special,” he laughed. “Hopefully England can put in a half-decent performance!”