It isn’t often that Keighley Cricket Club stalwart Keith Robinson is lost for words – but he was at the JCT600 Bradford League’s annual dinner.

The 78-year-old was announced as the winner of the Sir Leonard Hutton Trophy for outstanding services to the league – a prize won in the past by illustrious names such as former England Test skipper Ray Illingworth and ex-Yorkshire captain Ronnie Burnet.

When he had regathered his composure in front of a packed room at the Cedar Court Hotel, Keith said: “I am very surprised and very honoured.

“Cricket has been my life and this is the zenith for me.

“I will probably carry on what I am doing for another two seasons.

“I will be 80 in July 2015, and after that season I just want to go and watch (son) Richard play.”

The league’s highest accolade is deserved recognition for his 60-year association with them in which he has shown dedication as a player, umpire, official, child welfare officer, league representative and cricket teas maker.

But behind every great man there is a great woman, and that is certainly the case with Keith. In recognition of her part in what is very much a team effort, his wife Lesley received a bouquet of flowers.

Keith added: “I could not have done it without Lesley. I was playing cricket on a Saturday and she was looking after our children.”

“She has provided wonderful support and she got me through (bowel) cancer.”

Keith added: “I feel on top of the world. It hasn’t sunk in yet and I don’t think it ever will. Getting a trophy like that is the highest award I could get in the Bradford League and is something I’ll enjoy for the rest of my life.”

Keith becomes the first Keighley member to win the Len Hutton Trophy since Jack Emsley back in 1984.

League president Keith Moss, who announced the award, said: “He is the focal point of the club and no-one deserves this award more.”