Abigail Bates, 24, who lives in Chorley, works as a Maths teacher at Shuttleworth College.

She said: "I was shocked to win the award. You do not expect to win something like that when you are a volunteer.

"You do not volunteer for the recognition so I was extremely grateful to be recognised in this way.

" I moved away to join a girls local team and then went back a couple of years ago.

"I went down to Lord's Cricket Ground last Monday and then there was a small dinner and presentation.

"I went down with my Mum and Dad.

"I had no idea Eoin was going to be presenting me with the award. I only found out on the day.

"I did not expect him to be there because he has such a busy schedule at the moment especially with the Ashes coming up.

"The improvements made in the last five years to women's cricket shows it's going in the right direction.

"A lot of people are proud and a lot of people said its well deserved."

Shuttleworth College maths teacher Abi Bates has won a national cricket award.

The teacher, who has just started her third year at Shuttleworth, was presented with the OSCA (Outstanding Service to Cricket Award) for coaching at Lord's.

Abi received her award off England captain Eoin Morgan and admitted she was shocked.

“I had won the county award which meant I was invited to Lord's for the national awards,” said Abi.

“I was told I had been shortlisted and I was down to the last three but I was still surprised when they read out my name. I was shocked and was also honoured that the England captain, at a busy time, was there to present the award.”

Abi has played for Leyland Cricket Club since she was a junior as well as playing for White Coppice men’s team. She coaches and organises tournaments at Leyland and also trains the Lancashire Cricket Board’s Performance Under 11 Girls County Age Group squad.

Abi has also introduced girls cricket to Shuttleworth College and took a group of students to a World Cup game this year.

“During the summer, I think I had four days off altogether and that included weekends," added Abi. "I spend most of my days coaching or volunteering with cricket in the summer and still coach around eight hours a week in the winter. I love cricket and enjoy giving something back.”