Martyn Routledge and Elspeth Wills was crowned the Telegraph's Best Illustrated Book award.

The co-authors of The Beautiful Badge, beat strong opposition to win their category at the Telegraph Sports Book Awards 2019.

After receiving their award at a star-studded ceremony held at Lord's, Martyn and Elspeth Tweeted: "Absolutely delighted and honoured that The Beautiful Badge was a winner at the Telegraph Sports Book Awards 2019, alongside some absolute sporting legends.

"Thanks to Pitch Publishing for believing in the idea, and taking a risk."

Judges felt that the Getty Images Illustrated Book of the Year had beautiful illustrations brilliantly portrayed the visual heritage of the famous football club crest.

The Beautiful Badge is the first book to explore the history of football club badges.

From the original Red Devil to the £10 canary, it looks at what inspired them, who crafted them and how fans reacted.

Extensive illustrations show how badges followed fashion, negotiated copyright and expressed the aspirations of owners, managers and fans.

Mr Routledge, who lives in Loughton with wife Debs, and daughter Ruby, also runs graphic design agency - mr.creative, in between writing.

The book began began life 25 years ago as the sports author's university dissertation, it was only three years ago he revisited his research project and approached publishers with the idea.

It was published in August by Pitch Publishing and went to number one on Amazon Sports History page and has been featured on BBC London radio, and Talksport.

The book is available to buy at The Bookshop on Loughton High Street and WhSmiths.