A founding member of a village cricket club which rose to national glory has said being listed in the Queen's New Year's Honour is 'the icing on the cake' of a triumphant year.
Peter Thomas, who helped found Swardeston Cricket Club and is chairman of the Norfolk Cricket Alliance, received the British Empire Medal for his services to grassroots cricket.
Mr Thomas, 67 and of Swardeston, said he was "very humbled" to receive the medal, in a year in which the village club brought two national titles home to Norfolk.
He said: "I just could not believe it when I received the letter telling me. Of course it's a huge honour and I am humbled, but it isn't all about me.
"I don't do what I do for awards, I do it for a love of cricket and there are so many other people who have worked tirelessly from day one - people like Pat Hall."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here