A TOWN hockey club has welcomed a former player and the Labour Party's parliamentary candidate for the Bromsgrove seat to its award ceremony.

Tom Ebbutt played for Bromsgrove Hockey Club for a number of years as a junior and senior player.

On Sunday, (March 29), Mr Ebbutt presented awards to the outstanding boys and girls in each age group.

Mr Ebbutt also presented the Patrick Ebbutt Memorial Shield - named after Tom’s brother who was also a Bromsgrove Hockey Club player until he passed away in 2011.

This year the shield, recognising the overall young player of the year, was won by Frankie Mellor.

Club members are also looking forward to playing on a new all-weather, artificial grass pitch that is currently being constructed at Bromsgrove Hockey Club's home, St Godwald's Road, Aston Fields.

The junior training session was the last at its current venue at Bromsgrove School. The training sessions will restart on the club’s new artificial pitch in late summer.

Mr Ebbutt said: "I’m very proud to have played for Bromsgrove Hockey Club.

"This club has been a big part of my life and my family’s life. Congratulations to all this year’s award winners - it’s great to see the club’s junior academy going from strength-to-strength.

"I’m really looking forward to seeing the club finally playing at its own pitch from the start of next season."

Alan Gormley, head coach of Bromsgrove Hockey Club’s junior academy said: "With nearly 200 young people from the ages of four to 14 now part of Bromsgrove Hockey Club’s academy the future of hockey in the Bromsgrove is looking very bright indeed.

"We welcome young people of all ages, no matter what their experience. It’s great to see the success our teams are having at all levels – and the fun they have playing too."

For more on Bromsgrove Hockey Club's junior and senior teams visit bromsgrovehockey.org.uk or call Alan on 07731369942.