SOMERSET’S Tom Abell was the chief guest at this year’s Harry Burden Memorial Luncheon, which is the main fundraising event of the Tony Coles Charitable Trust, which provides grants to cricket clubs and schools for the development of Youth Cricket.

Somerset’s Jamie Cox, Jason Kerr and Sophie Luff were also guests at the luncheon.

The Harry Burden Young Cricketer of the Year Award was presented to 16 year old Thomas Rew. Thomas, who attends King’s College, Taunton, and has already played regularly for England Under 19s. This season he made his maiden century for Somerset 2nd XI against Gloucestershire and also helped Somerset win the 2nd XI T20 Trophy.

Thomas also scored 124 for Taunton St Andrews 1st XI against Frocester in the WEPL Premier Division One.

The Harry Burden Bursary, generously partly funded by Somerset County Sports, was awarded to 15 year old James Hibbert, who attends Pyrland School, Taunton. James is on the Somerset Pathway and went on the Under 15 tour to Sri Lanka earlier this year.

At senior level James hit his maiden senior century, scoring 117 off 103 balls in chasing down 260 in 40 overs for Taunton CC 2nd XI in their victory over Broadway & Horton 1st XI.