STALWARTS of grassroots sport were honoured at a glittering ceremony in Burnley.

The 2013 Burnley Community Sports Awards saw hundreds of coaches, players and administrators pack out Burnley Mechanics Theatre.

Lowerhouse Cricket Club president David Wren stole the show as he was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award after five decades of service at the current Lancashire League champions.

Other winners included Burnley Wood Youth and Community Group, Jamie Sharpley from Burnley Bobcats ADM Swim Squad and Wellfield Methodist and Anglican Church School.

Derek Redmond, former Olympic sprinter and a member of Great Britain’s 4x400m relay world championship-winning team in 1991, presented the awards. Mr Wren, who joined the club as a junior player in the early-1960s, will now go forward to the Lancashire-wide awards later this year.

Lowerhouse CC secretary, Frank Entwistle, said: “We are all extremely proud that David’s hard work and dedication has been recognised outside the club.

“This award is very special. We’re over the moon, there is no bigger fan of Lowerhouse CC than David Wren.

“He’s given up his free time, he’s cared. Those involved in running and assisting at clubs like ours know the difficulties we face sometimes; it totally envelops your life. David has taken this all in his stride and he’s a worthy winner.”

Mr Wren, who served as treasurer and chairman before his appointment as president, has used his own money on several occasions to save the club from extinction.

Under his stewardship, the club has increased its membership five-fold and his time in charge has seen its junior ranks swell from a handful of players in three teams to 140 children in 13 teams.

The club has also increased the number of female and ethnic minority cricketers from nil to 14 per cent and nine per cent respectively.

The 2013 Lancashire Sports Awards will take place on October 11 in Blackpool.