A MEMORIAL cricket trophy presented annually in memory of a Burnley schoolboy was this year presented to a girl for the first time.

The trophy was donated to Thompson Centre by the parents of talented cricketer Craig Heaton, 13, who died of a brain haemorrhage 13 years ago.

Jennifer Laycock, 15, of Waverley Close, Simonstone, was the proud recipient of the trophy and a medal to keep.

Jennifer, a pupil at Clitheroe Royal Grammar School, was kept in the dark about the surprise presentation at the Thompson Centre. She said: "I didn't know I was getting it. I was playing cricket with the younger ones and I saw them walk in but I didn't know who they were.

"They called everyone together in the middle and then told me. I am very proud to receive it as the first girl. I have been playing cricket for about six or seven years.

"My dad plays and we live right next door to Read cricket ground so when I was younger I used to just go and sit with the other spectators and watch it for hours."

She plays for Read under-15s team, Burnley and Padiham Ladies cricket club and Lancashire under-15s.

Jennifer hopes to get into the England squad and is already training with the seniors.

Organiser of the presentation, Derek Carter, said: "Craig had the makings of a good cricketer and he used to go down and help on the coaching course at the Thompson Centre.

"His parents were obviously distressed and decided to donate a trophy in his memory. It is a sign of the times that a girl has received it this year. I think she's been one of the first girls on the course as well."