Somerset County Cricket Club have won the prestigious BBC West "Team of the Year" award for 2001.

As a result of winning the Cheltenham and Gloucester Trophy and finishing in runner's up position in the County Championship the Cidermen were voted as team of the year ahead of a number of strong competitors including FA Vase winners Taunton Town Football Club and the Bristol Clipper crew.

Mike Burns and Keith Parsons received the award from former Gloucestershire wicket-keeper Andy Brassington, whose company Finders Keepers sponsored the event, at a ceremony that took place at the Bristol Marriott Hotel.

Mike Burns told me today, "it came as a bit of a shock really because we didn't know that we had won the award until we got there, and I had to say a few words!" The allrounder who has enjoyed one of his best seasons in first class cricket in 2001 went on, "it's always nice to get recognised for what we have done."

At the same ceremony Marcus Trescothick, who is currently with the England team out in India was named as the B.B.C.West Sportsman of the Year for 2001.

© SOMERSET