A TIRELESS cricket coach is bidding to hit the competition for six and scoop a national accolade for his community work in Marlow.

Ingram Jones, 34, who coaches at Little Marlow Cricket Club, has been shortlisted for the prestigious Community Champions award organised by the Community Channel.

The prize recognises the unsung heroes who go over and above the call of duty to enrich people’s lives.

“It is absolutely amazing, I can’t even begin to describe how proud I am,” said Mr Jones.

“It just shows the positive impact cricket can have on the community.”

Mr Jones runs three academies at Little Marlow Cricket Club, Booker Hill Primary School and another in Gravesend, Kent.

The father-of-one was born with cricket in his blood, so much so that he is cousins with West Indies fast bowler Nelon Pascal.

“I have always wanted to coach, I would come home from school and show the local kids in East London how to hold a cricket bat,” said Mr Jones, “What’s more, I wasn’t the best at school so I find it easy to relate to other kids who also find it a struggle.”

Kay Lathey, the manager of Little Marlow Under 13’s, paid tribute to Jones’ unstinting commitment to coaching.

“He is very good at inspiring and motivating,” explained Lathey, who has known Jones for almost five years.

“He as worked extremely hard not only here in Marlow but also in Wycombe and the Gravesend area, giving children the chance to play.”

The Community Channel broadcasts on SKY, Virgin and Freeview and an optimistic Mr Jones is currently the most popular choice with October 24 the closing date for votes. He added: “I have no idea how many people I am up against, all I know is at the moment I seem to be the most popular – I just hope it stays that way!”

Log on to www.community-champions.org/nominees/43/ingram-jones to cast your vote.