AN 84-year-old sports writer who has covered 17 World Cups and still writes match reports will be honoured for his contribution.

Brian Glanville, who was born in Golders Green, will be commended at the Cross Sports Book Awards with an outstanding contribution to sports writing award.

He began his career in football journalism aged 17 and had his first book published at 19, while working for the Corriere dello Sport.

The former law firm worker has interviewed goalkeepers to goal scorers and every England manager from Walter Winterbottom to Roy Hodgson.

David Willis, chairman of the Cross Sports Book Awards, said: “It is an honour to be able to present Brian with this award in 2016. He is an icon, a true professional and a shining example of excellence for all journalists.

“Writers have looked up to Brian for generations and continue to do so, as he still attends matches in his 85th year.”

“He continues to create fantastically readable content and is not afraid to express his opinion of the global game.”