BUNBURY Cricket Club founder Dr David English stole the show at Wembley on Wednesday after being honoured for his sporting commitments at the Aviva and Daily Telegraph School Sport Matters Awards.

English, a former manager of the Bee Gees who lives in Mill Hill and has raised £11million for charity through the club, was named the winner of the Contribution to School Sport Award.

English collected his award at a star-studded ceremony where he rubbed shoulders with the likes of World Cup winner George Cohen and ex-England hooker Brian Moore.

And after being awarded a CBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List, English – who will celebrate the club’s 25th anniversary next year – admitted he was bowled over by his latest prize.

“I think it is very kind that someone has picked me out for an award because there are so many worthy people nominated,” said English, who saw Steven Finn become the latest Bunbury graduate to make the England team this year.

“I think it is so important that we give children the chance to be involved in competitive sport and that is what I try to do.

“At 15 children are not quite adults but not yet children and that is why they are the perfect age to play pure sport.

“I was delighted to receive the award but really, for me, the success of Bunbury is reward enough in itself.”

English was hand-picked by an 11-strong judging panel including 11-time Paralympic champion Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, Moore and former Arsenal and England defender Lee Dixon.

And Dixon, who won four league titles, three FA Cups and a Cup Winners’ Cup medal with the Gunners, admitted the commitment of people like English was crucial to bringing through the sportsmen and women of the future.

“I think sport in school is vital to keeping kids fit and healthy and it is right that we recognise the people who make that possible,” said Dixon “And I think the level of achievement on show was excellent.

“I think it shows that there are lots of talented youngsters out there and that with the support of their schools they can do incredible things.”

* The Aviva and Daily Telegraph School Sport Matters Awards recognise outstanding achievements in school sport across the UK and form part of Aviva’s commitment to give all children the opportunity to get active by 2012 through the Aviva Academy. Go to aviva.co.uk/athletics