What a sport! Fund in much loved commissioner's memory hands out Sporting grants in Staffordshire
Sporting organisations from Cannock. Brownhills and Burntwood were amongst the recipients of grant from an organisation which commemorates a police veteran.
Stourbridge born Bill Longmore served 30 years in the Staffordshire force and then went onto become the first West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner.
A passionate sportsman and enthusiast, a foundation was set up on his death in 2016 to in his honour to recognise individuals, clubs and groups from all sports in Staffordshire and Shropshire as he served both counties.
They each receive £1,000 from the trustees to spend on equipment, expenses, development or anything they may need to pursue their sport.
The fifth awards ceremony for Staffordshire took place at Cannock Cricket Club with the recipients including the club itself and organisations from Brownhills and Burntwood.
The full list is: Cannock Cricket Club; Burntwood Rugby Club; Black Star Aikido from Brownhills; Bagnall Cricket Club from Stoke on Trent and Stone based football referee Ethan Walker who has refereed in the FA Cup this season (see pictures from the awards below)
In Shropshire, the awards ceremony will take place later this month at Shifnal Town FC.
Trustee Trevor Edwards said: "I was delighted to be present at Cannock Cricket Club when the awards were made. Bill was passionate about sport and over the last five years we have been able to help clubs that in the main comprise volunteers who give their time freely to help run them.
"Organisations apply for the grants and the committee meets to decide the recipients - there is no set criteria based on which sport or how well they have done, it is completely discretionary on who it is thought should receive the money.
"Running a club or participating in an individual at any level costs money. I have already visited Black Star Aikido where they have invested in new equipment which will aid their training.
"The grants are normally used for individuals and athletes, to enhance their careers; clubs and groups for investment and development and organisations for promotion and investment but it is up to them what they use it for and I look forward to the evening in Shropshire soon."
