Groundsman is cut above

John joined Swindon Council in August 1968. He now works in North Swindon, particularly Penhill, having been a fully qualified groundsman since 1972.

His main jobs are to ensure the day-to-day maintenance of sports turf such as bowling greens, football pitches and cricket grounds. He also maintains records of the town's sports grounds.

John, 50, who received a silver cup for his efforts, said: "I feel quite honoured, and I am pleased for me and the rest of the crew here including my colleague in the northern sector Les Wyless. I really enjoy my job, especially working outdoors. I like helping the community by ensuring all the pitches are in good working use."

As well as Penhill, John's territory includes Lydiard, Moredon, South-brook, St Mark's and Pembroke Gardens.

"We do as best a job as we can do, whether it is preparing wickets or mowing bowling greens," he said.

"We are busy in summer but there is also a lot to do in winter, marking out and maintaining football pitches and cleaning changing rooms."

John continues his work at home in Pavenhill, Purton. He said: "My own garden is very nice, it is rather large and very pretty. I'm changing some rose beds at the moment and putting in a sundial I got for my 50th birthday." Even though John spends a great deal of time in the great outdoors, he has still been able to devote two-and-a-half years to restoring a 1959 Austin Healey classic car from scratch.

Grounds supervisor Kevin Cheese, 42, said: "I'm very pleased for John. He's always been a very conscientious worker who has enjoyed his work down the years.

"The award is good recognition for all the hard work he's done. He takes pride in what he does and the greens are in lovely condition."

John's top tips

Record everything you do, making note of different fertilisers, weed killers and chemicals and their results

Don't be afraid to try new ideas

Mow your grass as early as February and extend the last cut to as late as October or November