Hereford Cathedral School groundsman Brian Goode's contribution to local youth cricket over the years has been recognised with a special retirement presentation.

The 67-year-old stayed on past the normal retirement age at the request of Cathedral headmaster Howard Tomlinson but the two have both announced 'close of play' to their careers in academia at the end of the summer term.

Before putting away his mower at Wyeside for the final time after 20 years service, however, Goode took time out to receive a retirement gift from the Herefordshire Schools Cricket Association, a cricket print presented by association chairman Tim Lowe.

"Bryan has over the years prepared hundreds of pitches for the Herefordshire Schools teams who tend to use Wyeside as a base," said Lowe.

"This has been done on a voluntary basis and has given the opportunity to play at a higher level to many Herefordshire children."

Although he is winding up his working life, Goode has no intention of quitting his cricket career.

A batsman and off-spin bowler, he is a regular member of the Herefordshire over-50s side and plays for Colwall 3rd in the Flint & Cook Marches League.