Young cricketer were bowled over when they were presented with a prestigious award by a legendary English batsmen.

Norlington School, in Leyton, was named winner of the David and Grace Sheppard Award, which recognises schools promoting physical, social and emotional development through cricket.

The honour is named after David Sheppard, the first man to play Test Cricket as an ordained minister, and his wife Grace, a teacher.

Adding to the excitement, students received the award from former Norlington pupil and ex-England cricket captain, Graham Gooch.

Mr Gooch, who is England’s second highest ever test run-scorer and played for Essex for 24 years, offered words of advice to the school’s cricketers.

He said: “Whatever you do in your preparation you will take out onto the field, and in life.

“If you do it the right way, that will reflect in the results you get. Look in the mirror and say: ‘I’ve done everything I can to make myself successful’.”

The award was picked up by the school’s Year 8, 9 and 10 cricket captains.

Year 10 captain Dawood Noaman said: "There's a real sense of pride to take from it.

“We know we're doing something right, developing not only as a school, but also as cricketers and young people.”

The school was chosen by awards organisers Capital Kids Cricket, which aims to support and promote opportunities to play cricket in inner London schools.

Norlington principle, Guya Persaud, said: "The principles of cricket are much like the school's.

"It teaches you how to work together, and how to lead. It teaches you patience, and how to think for yourself when you're out there on your own.”