FORMER Somerset and England cricketer Marcus Trescothick has been made an OBE in the New Year’s Honours List for his work as a Mental Health Ambassador with the Professional Cricketers' Association and for services to Mental Health.

The left handed opening batter, who celebrated his 48th birthday on Christmas Day, made his debut for the Cidermen in 1993 and was awarded an MBE back in 2005 after being part of the England Ashes' winning team

Trescothick was an automatic choice for England between 2000 and 2006 and represented England in 76 Test matches and 123 One Day Internationals. However, after struggling with a stress-related illness in 2008, he eventually brought his international career to an end.

Later that year his autobiography ‘Coming BackTo Me’ which contained full and frank details of the pressures that a professional sportsman has to contend with and how it affected him was released.

After retiring from international cricket Trescothick returned to play for Somerset where he remained until retiring at the end of the 2019 season.

During his long and illustrious career with his home county Trescothick played in 296 first class matches in which he scored 19,654 runs, second only to Harold Gimblett, at an average of 41.11, which included 52 centuries - a record for the county and a best of 284. In addition, Trescothick also took 445 catches which is also a county record

Trescothick said: “It’s a huge honour to have been awarded an OBE. I was delighted in 2005 when we were recognised as a team with MBEs but this is very special. I’ve always wanted to let people know my story and to try and raise awareness to help anyone who may be struggling with poor mental health alongside the Professional Cricketers’ Association, so recognition of that work means a lot.”