More than 300 people packed into the Mercure Hotel, Norwich, for the annual Norfolk Youth Cricket dinner and award presentation evening.

Eastern Daily Press: Ben Panter, winner of the performance of the year trophy, with Chris Brown Picture: NORFOLK CBBen Panter, winner of the performance of the year trophy, with Chris Brown Picture: NORFOLK CB (Image: Archant)

The event brought together Norfolk's finest young cricketers, parents, coaches, sponsors and invited guests to celebrate the 2018 season.

Norfolk run seven boys' teams from U10s through to U17s and three girls' teams at U13s, U15s and U17s.

The first of the main awards was the Derek Cousins Memorial Shield which was presented by outgoing Norfolk captain Chris Brown to Alison Williams for her long-standing contribution to Norfolk youth cricket.

The Derek Cousins Performance of The Year trophy was presented by Brown to Norfolk U13s player Ben Panter who took 6-36 against Lancashire on tour.

Eastern Daily Press: Harry Williams, winner of the Louis Brooks Memorial Trophy, with Ross Brooks Picture: NORFOLK CBHarry Williams, winner of the Louis Brooks Memorial Trophy, with Ross Brooks Picture: NORFOLK CB (Image: Archant)

The Friends of Norfolk Youth Cricket Girls' Player of the Season award was presented to Tilly Butterworth, of the Norfolk U13s, by Mel Taylor for her consistent performances during the summer.

A new award, the Maurice Sills Memorial Trophy, was presented to the boys' player of the season, Arthur Wilcox, of the Norfolk U12s.

The Louis Brooks Trophy was won by Harry Williams of the U17s. He had an outstanding summer, scoring over 500 runs at an average of 65, including centuries against Cambridgeshire and Huntingdonshire, and also played in the East Anglian Premier League for Vauxhall Mallards.

It is the most prestigious award that any young Norfolk cricketer can win and previous recipients include Jaik Mickleburgh, Rob Newton and recent England recruit Olly Stone.

Eastern Daily Press: Maurice Bills Memorial Trophy winner Arthur Wilcox with Norfolk Cricket Board chairman Keir Hounsome Picture: NORFOLK CBMaurice Bills Memorial Trophy winner Arthur Wilcox with Norfolk Cricket Board chairman Keir Hounsome Picture: NORFOLK CB (Image: Archant)

The trophy is awarded in memory of Louis Brooks, a promising young cricketer who played a key role for club and county before losing his battle with cancer aged just 19 in 2005, and was presented by his father Ross.

Meanwhile, the ongoing quest to increase the number of officials in Norfolk continues with courses for new umpires on October 14 and 21 at Drayton Bowls Club. Registration is through the ECB website and there is a discount when booking both stage one and stage two courses together. For more information email norfolkumpires@gmail.com.

Eastern Daily Press: Alison Williams receives the Derek Cousins Memorial Shield from Chris Brown Picture: NORFOLK CBAlison Williams receives the Derek Cousins Memorial Shield from Chris Brown Picture: NORFOLK CB (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: Friends of Norfolk Youth Cricket girls player of the year Tilly Butterworth with Mel Taylor Picture: NORFOLK CBFriends of Norfolk Youth Cricket girls player of the year Tilly Butterworth with Mel Taylor Picture: NORFOLK CB (Image: Archant)