The St Albans mayor crowned the winners of the EuroHockey Men's Masters Championships on Friday.

A week of fiercely-contested hockey matches took place across the region including at Oaklands College in Hatfield Road, St Albans last week.

Deputy Mayor, councillor Gill Clark welcomed all teams taking part in the tournament, which began on Friday, August 21.

Councillor Salih Gaygusuz, mayor of St Albans was invited to present the trophies at St Albans Hockey Club (SAHC), who hosted the event for the first time.

The presentations marked the end of one of the biggest hockey competition that SAHC's history.

Around 500 players representing England, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Scotland, Spain and Wales competed in the tournament.

Mayor Gaygusuz said: "I offer my heartiest congratulations to the players who have competed in this international tournament. They are an example to us all in their athletic prowess and sportsmanship.

"I also want to thank St Albans Hockey Club and Oaklands College for making this tournament such a success."

Presenting medals alongside the Mayor were Andy Forshaw, SAHC’s CEO, Glenn Paton, President of the International Masters Hockey Association and Deb Wilkes, Chair Eurohockey Masters Working group.

Mr Forshaw said: "It has been a privilege for our club to host the European Masters Hockey Championships 2015 and wonderful to see such exciting matches from world-class players.

"The Masters is all about showcasing that you can still play competitively whatever age you are. I want to thank the Mayor for presenting the medals and all the many volunteers who have worked so hard to make the tournament a success."

The group-winners for the events hosted by SAHC were:

Men's Over 40's

  • Gold - Netherlands
  • Silver - England
  • Bronze - Ireland

Men's O45's

  • Gold - Germany
  • Silver - Netherlands
  • Bronze - Spain

Men's O50's

  • Gold - Germany
  • Silver - England
  • Bronze - Netherlands

Men's O55's

  • Gold - England
  • Silver - Netherlands
  • Bronze - Scotland