A GROUNDSMAN is at the top of his game after being declared the best in the business.

David Watson, 61, has worked for Gateshead Council for 29 years He is responsible for maintaining the football pitches and looking after the athletics track during the summer at Gateshead International Stadium.

The Football Association's Groundsmen of the Year award is now in its fourth year and was set up to recognise the contribution of the people who make football possible at every level.

A member of the Institute of Groundsmenship visited Gateshead International Stadium to judge Mr Watson on the pitch maintenance programme, equipment standards and interview him about his work.

Up against ground staff from six counties in the North of England, he was awarded the title for the region at a ceremony in Middlesborough and will now go through to the national finals in September.

Mr Watson said: "I am over the moon. Premiership pitches host around 40 games a year and have specialised teams of staff dedicated to perfecting the shading on the pitch.

"At Gateshead Stadium, we have 86 league matches alone and only one person to maintain the pitch but our standards are just as high.

"It is great to have all your hard work appreciated and to win this award is even better.