North London CC’s Bob Pedersen received the Heartbeat of the Club prize as the annual Outstanding Service to Cricket Awards were held at Lord’s.

The nine award-winners – including Brondesbury captain Adam Wilson, who picked up the Cricket Force Award - were presented with their trophies by former Middlesex and England off-spinner Shaun Udal, while Middlesex’s opening batsman Sam Robson also offered his congratulations.

Pedersen’s gong recognises his 15 years as an NL player, his last 10 years as the club secretary – and maintainer of the website - and his tireless efforts as colts manager from 2005 to 2011.

He is still working with the senior colts as a Level 2 coach, and he also ran the process that led to North London being one of the first clubs in the county to be accredited to the ECB’s Clubmark programme, which sets testing standards of governance and management.

In 2010 Pedersen organised and participated in a 500-mile bike ride to raise funds for the purchase of new clubhouse windows, and he was instrumental in getting lacrosse teams to use the grounds during the winter to boost club revenues and clubhouse usage year-round.

Robert Tripp, who succeeded Pedersen as colts manager, said: “His great legacy was in leaving a system of volunteers, coaches and managers to run teams. He is a pillar of wisdom and good sense while retaining a drive to continually improve the club.”

Pedersen said: “This award was completely unexpected and I was pleased to receive it on behalf of the many volunteers who contribute their time to make North London CC a well-run and welcoming club.”