DARREN and Karen Andrews have been nominated as the latest unsung sporting heroes in south-east Essex.

The duo work tirelessly in local football.

And Ryan Williams was keen to see their hard work recognised.

He said:"Darren and Karen Andrews are part of the heart and soul of local football and they are my unsung sporting heroes in the area.

"Darren hasrun Prittlewell FC in the Southend Sunday League for more than 20 years and Karen has been League Secretary or registration secretary for about 10 years.

"It's all for the love of the game and it brings a sense of community to us all.

"From a grass roots perspective the game we play wouldn't exist without people like the Andrews.

"But as well as having a say in local men's football, the two of them also run the church's football league.

"This gets between 100 to 200 kids playing football at the weekend and is done at next to no cost for the teams involved.

"All of the organisation and set up is done by the both of them.

"The church's league is rounded off by a summer tournament which is a brilliant event that a few of my team mates have had the pleasure to be involved with too.

"Everything they do is done with a massive smile and while myself and the other lads probably think they're mad for everything they do football related I'm sure they wouldnt have it any other way."

To nominate your local unsung sporting heroes email chris.phillips@newsquest.co.uk