IF an MBE was ever deserved, it was the one awarded to Michael Foley, Salesbury cricket club's junior organiser.

That is the opinion of one of Foley's former charges, the Church veteran Phil Sykes.

After Sykes heard the news that retired Foley had been recognised in this year's New Year's Honours List, he said: "Usually you get an MBE for being a name or knowing the right people but this is an MBE that is truly deserved."

Foley has been coaching kids at Salesbury since the 1960s and Sykes was a junior at the club more than 20 years ago.

"Salesbury was the first club I joined and Michael was coaching every night," said the 38-year-old.

"And the one thing that really stood out about him was that he wasn't just interested in the good players. He wanted everyone to do well.

"He gets everyone involved and he created an enthusiasm for the game in every young player.

"The practice sessions were always good fun, he made sure of it. There were competitions and all sorts.

"He certainly fired my enthusiasm for the game and he was a good coach as well.

"It has been the focal point of his life and he has given everything to it.

"If you go past the ground on practice nights there are kids everywhere and lots of them go on to play Lancashire League cricket.

"Phil Bolton at East Lancs and John Wharton of course, all came through at Salesbury."

Sykes joined the club when he was 12 and spent seven years there. He joined Transco Lancashire League club Rishton at 19 before moving on seven years later.

"He made the facilities available every night, after first and second team games and it is all year round as well. He doesn't have a break in the winter.

"He is a very unselfish person and the MBE is well-deserved."