LANCASHIRE and England fast bowler James Anderson - who lives in Altrincham - has been awarded an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

The accolade comes two months after the 32-year-old broke Sir Ian Botham’s long-standing record as England’s leading wicket-taker during the Test side’s recent tour of the West Indies.

After eclipsing Botham’s tally of 383 wickets in the Antigua Test, Anderson then went onto become the first England bowler to take 400 Test wickets – and only the 12th in the history of the game – during the recent Headingley Test against New Zealand.

Anderson said of the OBE: “This means an enormous amount to me and my family.

"I'm very proud of my recent achievements and this just caps it off. These achievements wouldn't have been possible without the help and support of my family, friends and everyone at Burnley CC, Lancashire CCC and England.”

Lancashire’s Cricket director and head coach, Ashley Giles, added: “We are delighted for Jimmy and very proud of him.

“And it is an honour he deserves for all of his achievements in cricket. To take 400 wickets at Test level is some achievement."