Lancashire bestow honour on Allen

Lily Allen receives a signed bat to mark her lifetime membership of Lancashire

Lancashire have made pop singer Lily Allen a lifelong member in recognition of her promotion of cricket.

The 24-year-old, who performed live to a sell-out crowd in Manchester last night, was presented with a bat signed by the playing staff.

Allen’s love of the game, particularly Test cricket, has helped bring it to a new audience. She has also admitted to having a crush on Lancashire all-rounder Andrew Flintoff.

Lancashire chief executive Jim Cumbes said: “Cricket, particularly the longer format of the game, is generally enjoyed by the traditionalists - with the younger generation preferring the shorter formats.

“Lily’s admission over summer that she loves her cricket, particularly Test cricket, certainly increased the profile of the sport and this will hopefully lead to more people becoming involved in cricket.

“To acknowledge her work in promoting cricket, Lancashire County Cricket Club is delighted to make Ms Lily Allen an honorary member of the club as well as presenting her with her own county shirt and a cricket bat signed by the 2009 Lancashire squad, including England stars Andrew Flintoff, James Anderson and Sajid Mahmood.”