She had already been named the Sussex winner, and had been invited to the Brit Oval to collect that award during a recent one-day international between England and New Zealand. But, four regional winners were also rewarded and she was one of them.

She said: "I didn't know anything about winning the regional one. I was very surprised but very pleased.

"We all went on the field during the lunch break, and that's when all the regional awards were made."

Throughout the country, 80 coaches are being recognised for outstanding service to the community. This is the second year of the Sky Sports Coach Reward and Recognition Scheme, and is part of their Developing the Coaches sponsorship.

Burton, 27, who was nominated by her county, won the award —presented to her by former England captain Nasser Hussain — because of her coaching achievements throughout her long involvement with Sussex Women's cricket.

All the regional winners will now contest the national awards in the Long Room at Lord's pavilion in September.

She said: "I was shocked at winning the regional one, but am happy to have won that and the county one.

"It will just be amazing to have dinner in the Long Room. There's so many great coaches, and loads of people who deserve to win the award."

Burton, who plays for Brighton & Hove in the Southern Premier League, and also for Sussex, qualified as a coach in 1999, and has played junior and senior women's cricket for 17 years.

She is in the process of gaining a UKCC L3 coach qualification, and in 2006 she was appointed the women and girls community coach.

For the last six years, Burton has been Sussex women's junior organiser, and has been involved in coaching the Under-11, Under-13, Under-15 and Under-17 squads for eight years.

She also has a long-standing involvement with coaching in schools, and has coached at 16 clubs throughout the county.

Burton said: "I work for the Sussex Cricket Board, and coach about 16 girls clubs. That's my main job — and to get women's cricket to grow in Sussex.

"Littlehampton have just set up a ladies and girls' section, and Findon have just won the Under-11 Sussex festival.

"All these teams have started up because of great volunteers, and parents giving up the time to get it up and running.

"Women and girls cricket is really growing in Sussex at the moment. There are 16 girls' clubs and 10 women clubs. There's a women's 20-20 League, and a 40-over Cup competition, but our main aim is to get a 40-over league."

-------------------------------------
Click here to go back to Shoreham sport.

Where are you? Add your pin to the Herald's international readers' map by clicking here.

Email the Herald: steve.bailey@worthingherald.co.uk