A MAN known throughout the Ribblesdale League as ‘Mr Padiham’ is in the running to land one of the most prestigious awards in North West cricket.

Brian Shirtcliffe, who is Padiham’s president and has been involved at The Arbories all his life, is on a shortlist of three for the Lancashire Cricket Board lifetime achievement award in the organisation’s annual OSCAs.

The awards honour people who have made a difference in local cricket with prizes for coaching, volunteering, groundstaff as well as the lifetime achiever.

Shirtcliffe, who is also a life member of the Ribblesdale League, was nominated and a judging panel, as selected by the LCB, whittled those names down to a shortlist of all three in each category.

“We are all made up for him,” said Brian’s son and fellow Padiham stalwart and current player Peter.

“It’s really good to see the work that a lot of people don’t see recognised by Lancashire and it is a great honour just to see my dad shortlisted.

The top three candidates in each category have been invited to a gala dinner at Emirates Old Trafford next month and the winners will be announced on the night.

Shirtcliffe is the only East Lancashire man to be shortlisted in any of the nine categories this year.