A WOMAN from Consett has been named Durham's top female volunteer for her services to children's cricket.

Hilary Nesbit has turned round the fortunes of Shotley Bridge Cricket Club's junior section in only four years.

She was awarded the title of female volunteer of the year by Durham Sport at a ceremony in Hardwick Hall, near Sedgefield.

Mrs Nesbit took on the role as the club's junior development officer in 2001 when numbers of juniors were so low that the club had to resign from the under-15s junior league.

Now more than 130 children regularly attend Thursday night training sessions and there is a waiting list of youngsters keen to join.

The junior section was also recently awarded Clubmark status by Sport England for the quality of its junior section.

Ms Nesbit, who lives in Shotley Bridge, said: "Getting this award was a complete surprise and I'm absolutely over the moon about it.

"Although I did it on my own to start with I've now got a lot of other volunteers who help me and I could not do it without them.

"The effort has certainly paid off. We have more volunteers working for the club than ever and kids waiting to join."

Shotley Bridge Cricket Club is the former club of England Test star Paul Collingwood and his father is one of the junior coaches.

Derwentside District Council's sports and activity manager Colin McBride said Ms Nesbit deserved the award.

He said: "She has given up many hours of her time to transform junior provision at Shotley Bridge Cricket Club.

"She leads a team of enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers who work together to provide a quality, friendly and fun environment for young players and their families."