A KNUTSFORD man will receive a prestigious award in recognition of a contribution to sport spanning more than two decades.

Andrew Moss, a former Detective Chief Inspector, is to collect a Police Sport UK (PSUK) Award for Excellence later this month thanks to his continued dedication to judo within the force.

He has won a medal at every Police Judo Championships between 1991 and 2012, except for one occasion when a broken leg prevented him from taking part.

"It's a massive tribute to receive such a fantastic award," said the 52-year-old.

"Some great athletes, including international rugby players, have done previously."

Moss, who served with Cheshire Constabulary for close to 30 years before retiring, runs weekly judo training sessions in his spare time for young people and others who have learning difficulties.

He said: “It's interesting and very challenging too.

“I sometimes work with people who suffer with a condition that involves making certain adjustments so they can get involved. It's rewarding to do that.”

Moss, who now works as the North of England Lead for the Care Quality Commission, finished first in in the masters' 90kg class in his final competition to bow out on a high.

As well as noting his sporting prowess, judges admired his administrative work as national secretary for PSUK's judo, wrestling and weightlifting sections since 2002.

“Andrews’s contribution to Police Sport has been huge," said Chris Hunt, a PSUK judo committee member.

"PSUK's national judo section has no doubt he thoroughly deserves the award.”