Brierfield Celtic Football Club have been named the Community Club of the Year in the BBC North West Sports Awards.

Secretary Dave Johnson, who accepted the award at the Midland Hotel, Manchester last night, admitted he was completely stunned -- but said it was a fitting tribute for the club's band of hard-working volunteers.

The club, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this season, has more than 20 teams, catering for boys and girls aged six to 17-years-old.

He said: "I was completely gob-smacked when I realised we had won. It is a great achievement and fantastic for our 30 or so volunteers who are the unsung and unpaid heroes of the club.

"We are a real family-orientated club and while we may not win trophies every season we are providing unprivileged youngsters the chance to play football."

Brierfield Celtic achieved the FA's full Charter Standard status last year and is now working towards Community Club status.

The club has more than 200 youngsters on their books while every manager are qualified level one coaches.

Celtic have also been short listed for Sport England's community club of the year award in a ceremony that will take place in London next week.