Groundsman Steve Speed was named as Port Vale’s Club Hero at the Football League’s annual awards evening and has expressed pride at receiving the accolade.

Each of the 72 sides were required to nominate one individual based on their outstanding contribution to their club with the winners being announced at the ceremony in London.

Steve picked up his trophy at Vale’s 2014/15 end of season awards night – Casino Vayal.

The highly popular staff member has shown unshakeable commitment during his 36 years at Vale Park which has often meant working unsociable hours and in terrible weather conditions.

Upon receiving the award, the 53-year-old said: “It’s always very pleasing when your colleagues vote for you for an award like this and I’m honoured to receive it.

“I’ve won a few similar awards over the years but to get something like this as part of an official Football League category means a lot.

“It’s been a hard year but we’re really proud to have made sure all the games have gone ahead despite some often difficult conditions due to frost and adverse weather.

“We understand the players would like a modern pitch and we’re disappointed we cannot provide that but credit to them, they have been very understanding as has the manager.”

While Steve was delighted to have received the award, he was also quick to pay tribute to other members of staff at the club.

He added: “Our groundstaff have worked extremely hard and I’m really proud of them all for all their efforts.

“We’re quite lucky in that when people turn up on a match day they see the hard work we have put in while there are some other people at the club who can go unnoticed and I’d like to thank those as well.”