GROUNDSMEN across the region are celebrating after being named finalists in the industry’s prestigious awards.

Groundstaff teams from Durham and Darlington Cricket Clubs and Ripon Racecourse have made the shortlist for this year’s Institute of Groundsmanship (IOG) Awards.

Darlington has been nominated in two categories, including the private members sports club section, alongside the prestigious Queen’s Club in London.

It is also shortlisted for the grassroots sports grounds award, whilst Durham is in the frame for the professional cricket grounds accolade.

Peter Bentley, head groundsman at Darlington CC, said: “I am really happy – there is a real sense of pride for a little club like Darlington to be named alongside places like the Queen’s Club.

“It is all about hard work – working up to 12 hours a day in the summer to get things right.

“I have definitely put the hours in and I have had a lot of support from the club. I would like to think we have a good chance of winning.”

The Ripon Racecourse team has made the final three in the professional horse racing grounds category, alongside Nottingham and Sandown Park.

The team, led by head groundsman Carl Tonks, look after the privately owned site at Ripon which covers 280 acres.

They work all year round to facilitate 17 days of horse racing in addition to a range of otherevents, including national triathlons, police/Army training and championship dog shows.

James Hutchinson, the racecourse’s managing director and clerk of the course, said: “This is a tremendous achievement for the team to be recognised in such a way for the hard work and dedication put in through the long season.”

Mr Tonks added: “Our team is truly honoured to be shortlisted this year and its worthy praise to the dedication of all the staff involved here at Ripon.”

Also nominated, for a special recognition award, is Mick Oldfield of Sherriff Hutton Bridge Cricket Club, near York.

The winners will be announced Oscar-style at the IOG Industry Awards dinner in Birmingham, on Wednesday, November 1.