Heyhoe-Flint appointed to House of Lords

Rachael Heyhoe-Flint, the former England's women captain and now honorary MCC member, has been appointed to the House of Lords.

Heyhoe-Flint was one of 53 people announced by Downing Street as a new Working Peer and she will take her place in the House of Lords towards the end of the year.

"I was completely taken by surprise when I took the call from the Prime Minister in September," Heyhoe-Flint said. "Obviously I am really thrilled at my appointment but still very humbled at the thought of joining such an historic institution.

"My background in sport, journalism, charity and community work will I hope stand me in good stead, and I hope I can make a positive contribution as a working peer. I will certainly look forward to the commute from one Lord's to another Lords."

Heyhoe-Flint was elected to the MCC committee in 2004 having led the way for women's cricket during a long career. She was the first captain of a women's side to play at Lord's and one of the first group of female MCC members. She received an MBE in 1972 and an OBE in 2007 for her services to cricket and work with the Lord's Taverners charity.