Cheshire Phoenix chairman Andrew Donaldson and his wife Debbie are toasting success after being named Volunteers of the Year at last weekend's annual Sport Cheshire Awards.

The pair were awarded the accolade in recognition of the commitment to the Northgate Arena basketball club since its reformation from the ashes of the Cheshire Jets back in 2012.

Since re-forming and rebranding as the Phoenix in November of that year, the Nix have gone from strength to strength both on and off the court, with a strong and competitive BBL side and successful community programme in place.

“We don’t do it for awards but it is nice to be recognised sometimes for what you do and for people to say thank you,” said Andrew.

“I’d be lying if I said that all the extra volunteer work that me and Debbie do and the hours we put in doesn’t seriously impact our free time, but it is a labour of love for us.

“We’re one of many volunteers who give our time up for the club and it is great that all the sacrifices and hard work has paid off and the club keeps growing and getting stronger.”

The Nix have made significant moves during this close season, with the club appointing highly-respected New Yorker John Coffino as head coach and signing a number of play ers with experience in the NBA D-League, and Donaldson is excited about what the future holds.

“We are a club with the the community at its heart but we also want to be successful on the court and win trophies,” he addded.

“The club is really going places and next season promises to be an exciting one for the fans.”