Alsager Cricket Club chairman, Alan Stancliffe, is used to rolling up his sleeves and getting stuck in whether it be playing a game or helping to prepare the pitch for the new season.

The former headteacher and talented sportsman has lived in Alsager for 38 years, first coming to the town when he trained as a teacher at the former teacher training college.

Alan spends a fair amount of time at the cricket club in Fairview Avenue and every year, he and his wife Kay and Jason Lockett organise a gin festival which raises around £26,000 for local charities.

The Huddersfield born cricketer has also spent 25 years coaching the junior section at the club which won promotion and celebrated its 150th year.

But Alan now has something else to celebrate - an invite from the King to a garden party at Buckingham Palace on May 7th.

"It came out of the blue," said Alan. "I got an email earlier this year then the invite came through the post. I was told I was getting a community award.

"I've no idea what it's for - whether it's my contribution to cricket or education. I am chair of governors at Highfields School in Alsager and also a governor at another school in Staffordshire.

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"I can only think it's for our contribution at the cricket club to the local community. When I arrived here I wanted to encourage as many groups as possible to make it their base.

"Alsager is very strong on community links and we're delighted the contribution the cricket club makes to this. "

By royal appointment - Alsager Cricket Club chairman has been invited to go to a Buckingham Palace garden party.

Alan hopes he and his wife might get the chance to speak to the King Charles and Queen Camilla.

He added: "We're very excited to receive the invite which is on behalf of others too and honoured to be invited."

Have you got any similar honours or awards? Email [email protected]

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