Pupils at a school in Aldenham welcomed an ex-England cricketer, who shared tips and advice on technique.

Martin Bicknell spent almost two hours with pupils in Edge Grove’s cricket academy sharing tips and taking part in a question and answer session.

Ben Evans, headteacher at Edge Grove, said: "It’s great to see the children so inspired and animated by events like this. We regularly arrange special visits from inspirational people like Martin because we believe this kind of exposure really boosts their learning and engagement."

The pupils learned that Mr Bicknell holds the world record for the longest gap between test matches having played in 1993 but not playing again for England until 2003. 

Mr Bicknell said: "I just kept trying and I never gave up, then eventually good form got me selected again and I played against South Africa."

Mr Bicknell also confirmed his favourite wicket was the recently retired former South African captain, Graeme Smith.