Colin Wake must rank as one of Chester le Street's best-ever signings, writes MALCOLM PRATT.

The defender recently clocked up his 350th appearance for the Northern League club and incredibly he has been an ever present in five of his six seasons with the club.

Signed from Ferryhill Athletic, Wake was this week acclaimed by Chester's general secretary Joe Burlison.

"Colin has been a model player and we could not have asked for more. He is a tremendous player and a great ambassador for the club on and off the field.

"Without doubt, he has been a great servant for the Cestrians."

Wake has been voted Player of the Year and Players Player of the Year during his six year stint and is keeping up his ever-present tag this season.

"I do not think any player has played so many games for us. To reach 350 is something special," enthused Burlison, who has been continuously involved in the running of the club since it was formed.