Unsung hero Simon Mason was named volunteer of the year at the Notts LTA Annual Awards.

Simon, who is on the management team at Mansfield Lawn Tennis Club, went on to represent the county at the Midlands regional final of the LTA Tennis Awards.

Named in honour of Cathie Sabin, the former LTA president, the volunteer award reflects her passion for recognising the contributions of the unsung heroes of tennis — the volunteers who keep the sport going throughout the year.

A spokesperson for Mansfield Lawn Tennis Club said: “Simon, who has been on the management team since April 2019, definitely meets that unsung hero definition.

“Without him our club simply wouldn’t run. He quietly gets on sorting things out – weeding and cutting back shrubs on the approach lane, repairing and revarnishing benches, promoting club fundraising events, meeting new members, buying supplies for open days and events, organising the weekly social tennis, building the annual club bonfire… whenever he’s asked to sort a ‘little’ job, Simon is always there, without letting on he has a veritable list of other ‘little’ jobs to complete.

“Congratulations Simon, a well-deserved win.”