IMRAN Hussain has been made an ambassador of the Bradford Mutual Sunday School League.

The MP for Bradford East received the accolade at the league’s annual dinner and prize presentation at the Aagrah Midpoint in Thornbury.

Hussain said of his honour: “It was a pleasant surprise - I really wasn’t expecting that.

“I haven’t got a big background in cricket - I am more of a boxing fan myself - but I love cricket.

“It is a huge honour to be an ambassador of one of the oldest cricket leagues in Bradford (it started in 1896) and it just shows how important grass-roots cricket is in Bradford - It contributes to the very fabric of Bradford.

“We have seen an excellent event, promoting cohesion and all that is good about grass-roots sport so it is fantastic, and I am very proud to have received that honour.”

Hussain added: “Since I have been an MP, and even before, I have been connected to grass-roots sports very actively, and grass-roots sport - whether that be cricket, boxing or football - is absolutely vital for the health and well being of our young people.

“And there is so much goodness to come out of it, and that is what got me involved in grass-roots cricket and with the league, and for the last decade I have been to events and matches to support the league.”

Meanwhile, the Leslie B Briggs Trophy - the most prestigious award made by the league - went to the league’s vice-chairman Mohammed Azad.

“I am honoured to receive this award, which is 54 years old,” said Azad. “I have worked on behalf of the league for 22 years, and the last three on the executive committee.

“The other members of the executive committee have been encouraging me all of the time.

“As a player, I captained Girlington’s first team for 15 years and now I am their president.

“Our second XI finished second in Group B this year, as they did last year, and they won the H Broadbent Trophy this year, and last year the first XI won the Sir James Roberts Cup and were runners-up in the Rizues T20 Trophy.

“We are also running an under-11 side and a girls’ team.”

Umpire of the Year was Waheed Butt with 251.25 points, edging out Ijaz Khan (248.25).