Corbett, from Syston, was invited to the first day of the second Test match between England and South Africa as a guest of Sky Sports.

He was one of just 80 coaches nationwide to be recognised by the broadcaster as part of their Rewards and Recognition Scheme and only one of 40 to receive the Outstanding Contribution and Services to Cricket Coaching award.

At the tea interval, Corbett and county compatriot Simon Craig were presented to the crowd to receive their awards from former England Test coach and Sky Sports cricket commentator David 'Bumble' Lloyd.

Corbett said: "It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience and will probably never happen again.

"You can't believe it when you see David Lloyd on the telly and then get to meet him. We were all a bit nervous, but he was a really friendly bloke and made you feel like you had known him for years."

The project is aimed at creating more coaches throughout the country, and to reward long-serving and distinguished coaches from grassroots cricket.

Such is his dedication and enthusiasm for the game, Corbett is secretary, vice-chairman and junior co-ordinator at County League club Birstall Village CC as well as turning out for the team.

He has grown the club's youth section hugely since starting a kwik cricket team there when his sons Thomas and George started playing in 2002.

The youth section now boasts about 180 children, one of the facets which helped the club last year land the prestigious Wisden Club of the Year Award.

Corbett has also managed North Leicestershire district under 12s team for the past five years and has also coached and managed the Best of District team which played Warwickshire, Northants and Leicestershire.

It is such devotion to club and district cricket which means family holidays sometimes have to wait until October.

Corbett added: "It is the kids that make it all happen, not just me. You do what you do for them.

"I went to work at four this morning and will be going to a district match this afternoon, but one of the Birstall lads will be making his debut and he's really excited about it so that's great."