IT WAS one ‘BELL’ of a successful Saturday for Macclesfield Express reporter Alex.

Newshound Alex Bell, 23, scored an unbeaten 102 for Macclesfield Cricket Club’s First XI at the weekend – the only three figure score by a player from the team this season.

And after the game, in which he steered Macc to a draw against fierce opposition at Oulton Park, the young journo had no time to celebrate with beer and socialising.

The dedicated hack put down his bat then drove back to Macc and completed a 10km midnight walk for the East Cheshire Hospice, which ended at 2.30am on Sunday.

Alex, who played representative cricket for Lancashire until the age of 16, said: "It was a long day, to say the least. We met at the club at 10am.  I was on the field for about six hours straight and batted for about three hours."

The game ended at 7pm and, never being off duty, he travelled back to the Tytherington Club in Macclesfield for 10pm to register for the midnight walk.

Alex said: "At the halfway point I really started flagging whilst walking through Prestbury village.  I was walking about two paces behind my girlfriend and she was literally dragging me along.  I was tired, but the walk was amazing. I’ve never been part of anything like it before and it was a really special night."

Alex, who started at the Macclesfield Express four months ago, didn’t have the greatest start to his career at Macclesfield CC after fracturing his finger at the very first training session, and missed the first ten games.

But he more than made up for it on his return, averaging around 40, which culminated in his ton at Oulton on the final day of the season.

Roger Moss, treasurer at Macclesfield Cricket Club and umpire for the second XI, said: "We lost some wickets early on and Alex and our overseas player Nathan (Allen) really grafted. It was one of, if not the best, partnerships of the season.

"We went up into the premier division with a comparatively young side this year, and Alex joined midway through.  It’s no mean feat to score a ton in that league. You’re facing minor counties andformer minor counties bowlers; one mistake and you’re out."

Macclesfield CC have battled their way to safety in the premier league, despite not having any paid professionals, unlike the majority of teams they competed against.

The Second XI were also promoted.