LOYAL Oldswinford Cricket Club stalwart Ken Slater was left completely stumped after being honoured at the highest level.

Ken's selfless dedication to both cricket and his club was recognised following a star-studded gathering at Lord's last week.

Although having never played serious cricket, Ken's devotion to the game has been unwavering ever since he arrived at Oldswinford back in 1983 and then taking over the secretary's reins six years later.

He was nominated by Oldswinford for a lifetime achiever award within Worcestershire cricket back in August.

Ken duly lifted the award - but was also presented with the prestigious Bill Jones Trophy for volunteer of the year during the tea interval of Worcestershire's County Championship game against Gloucester on September 16.

But the story didn't end there.

Worcestershire then nominated Ken for a national award.

At the same time Ken discovered that the ECB (English Cricket Board) already had him short-listed from throughout the 39 counties for a national award as well.

It meant Ken was invited to attend a star studded bash at Lord's on October 14 where he rubbed shoulders with many past and current international cricketers at the National OSCA's.

Ken was ultimately named runner-up behind Cumbria's Ernie Brabbins, but in typical fashion Ken claimed: "Ernie thoroughly deserved it! It was such an honour just to be there was so many famous faces".

Ken received a trophy and magnum of champagne which was presented to him by England World Cup winner Chris Woakes.

Modest Ken admitted: "I looked at the names on the trophy. There were people on it who I had known and respected for years but I never ever considered myself in the same category.

"To see your face on the big screen at Lord's having just watched England's World Cup winning exploits only minutes earlier was quite something. I just thought to myself 'Wow! You'll never take that memory away from me.

"It's like scoring your first century. You never forget it.

"I only ever played cricket for fun. I never wanted to play league cricket simply because I don't need kids of 16 and 17 trying to sledge, not that it would worry me

"I've got one son and three grandchildren playing at Oldswinford at the moment and I love it there. I'm not going anywhere else anytime soon.

"It's not about winning awards. To see all the youngsters there at training on a Friday night is a sight to behold and that is what makes everything worthwhile.

"Oldswinford is one of those clubs where people tend to stay. We don't lose people very easily.

"And although I've stepped down as secretary this year, I'll still be there in the background for them if anyone needs me".