The grounds-care team at St Albans School has won award, which recognises the high standards achieved by volunteers.

Head Groundsman Steve Ascott and Turf Consultant Ian Smith, along with members of the Grounds Staff at the Abbey Mill Lane school, have been awarded the Institute of Groundsmanship (IOG) School, College or University Sports Club Grounds Team of the Year Award at the IOG Industry Awards.

With six full time employees, the St Albans School grounds-care team aims to produce first-class playing surfaces on the 73-acre Woollam Playing Fields site which holds rugby, cricket, football, athletics and cross country fixtures seven days a week not only for the school but also a number of local sports associations.

It is also used as a training centre for the Saracens rugby team. In addition to the grass pitches, there are artificial surfaces for tennis, hockey and athletics.

Gary Douglas, estates manager at the school said that the award highlights the importance that the school attaches to sport and physical well-being.

Mr Douglas said: "Visitors frequently comment on the quality of St Albans’ sporting facilities and this is in no small way down to the commitment, hard work and expertise of our grounds-care team who are to be justifiably proud of their achievement."