Nottinghamshire groundsman Steve Birks has been named ECB Groundsman of the Year.
Birks triumphed in the four-day category after topping the table for pitch marks in a poll of umpires standing at every LV= County Championship match.
The award, allied to consistently high pitch marks at international matches, re-affirms Steve's status as one of the country's finest groundsmen.
"Last summer was a tough time for all groundsmen because of the amount of rain so I'm pleased to have won this in a year that presented a lot of challenges," said Steve.
"Next season will be big for us with the opening Ashes Test and a big season for Nottinghamshire and there's lots to be done between now and then to producd the best possible pitches."
Chelmsford groundsman Stuart Kerrison claimed the runner-up prize with whilst Andy McKay from Hove was awarded the prize for the best one-day pitches.