A Walthamstow schoolboy is following in the footsteps of some of his cricketing heroes, after being named Essex County Cricket’s player of the season.

Jamal Richards, 12, was awarded the honour in the Under 12s category after a season that saw him excel for club, school and county.

The all-rounder has joined an illustrious group of recipients of the award, including one of his heroes, former England international wicket-keeper James Foster.

Norlington School pupil Jamal is on the Emerging Players Programme at Essex and hopes to join the county's academy in just over a year’s time.

Jamal said: "When I found out I had won the award I was really proud.

"Alistair Cook is one of my heroes and I knew he had played for the county when he was my age. I also like James Foster as well.

"I want to say thank you to my club and Norlington because they have really helped me develop as a player in the last year."

The youngster put in several match-winning performances for Norlington’s Year 8 side this year, as well as starring for his club side, South Woodford.

Jamal honed his skills playing with, granddad, Franklin Dickson, 62.

Mr Dickson said: "I love cricket so he started off watching it with me when he was very young.

"He was playing when he was four so he has had a natural passion for the game at a very young age.

"He has a long way to go but he certainly has the talent to go all the way.”