THIS month’s Age Friendly Barnsley Award has been won by a local man for his commitment to walking cricket across the borough.

Mac McKechnie started delivering walking cricket at U3A before it took off and teams across Yorkshire started to get involved.

Since then Mac has been appointed by the Yorkshire Cricket Foundation as manager of the newly-formed Yorkshire Walking Cricket team and received the award for his passion and commitment to getting older residents, and those with disabilities, involved with the sport.

Jane Holliday, CEO of Age UK Barnsley, said: “Physical activity is more important than ever for older people to help with wellbeing and mobility.

“This is a great opportunity to celebrate people like Mac that develop these opportunities alongside those people that are discovering new ways of enjoying the sports they love into older age.”

Wendy Lowder, executive director for adults and communities at the council, added: “We are so pleased to give this month’s Age Friendly award to Mac for his passion and commitment to developing cricket as an accessible sport.

“Too often people can become disengaged with physical exercise either due to age or disability.

“Mac has worked tirelessly to develop walking cricket in Barnsley supporting people to re-engage with the sport and reconnect with people who have a shared love of cricket.

“Whether you’re batting, bowling or fielding it’s a great way to get some physical exercise and some social time.”