SNOOKER legend Steve Davis believes the Grassroots Heroes awards are the perfect way to honour those who do so much for local amatuer sport.

The six-times world champion has seen for himself what is done at local level having worked closely with snooker coaches in East Lancashire for the last three years.

“These awards are a fantastic way to recognise the work that goes on in amateur sport,” said Davis one of the greatest talents the sport has ever seen. “It takes a special kind of passion and dedication from someone to give so much of their time to local sport.

“So to be rewarded and recognised for that hard work is a tremendous thing.”

Davis has become a regular visitor to East Lancashire working on Paul Hunter Foundation initiatives headed up by Chris Lovell and his team of coaches including Paul Rinaldi and Neil Ormerod.

And Davis has put Lovell’s name forward for the coach of the year award.

“What Chris does is amazing. He works extremely hard and is for ever coming up with new ideas to help kids in the area.”