ICC Europe has today announced the European regional winners of the Pepsi ICC Development Programme Awards for 2009.

James (Jim) Bennett of Ireland was awarded Volunteer of the Year for his tireless services to the development of youth cricket and cricket coach education over the last decade. He has been instrumental in the success of Ireland at under age level, where they have been dominant over that period.

The Photo of the Year was taken by Rob O’Connor of Ireland . In the winning photo, Leinster Province players celebrate the match-winning run out of West Glamorgan 's opening batsman in the U13 Welsh District Championships. The photograph sums up what youth cricket is all about: enthusiasm, enjoyment and friendship.

ICC Regional Development Manager, Richard Holdsworth commented: “These very well deserved awards are in recognition of the great work which is going on in our Associate and Affiliate member countries. The passion and enthusiasm for the game continues to increase and most of the programmes and initiatives have been organised by dedicated volunteers. We hope these special awards will encourage others to get involved in our great game.”

The Pepsi ICC Development Programme Annual Awards, which were first awarded in 2002, promote excellence in cricket development and recognise exceptional performance and service to the game in the ICC’s 94 Associate and Affiliate Member countries.

Nominations were received from national bodies, clubs, associations, teams, schools and individuals. The European regional award winners will now be put forward for the Global Pepsi ICC Development Programme Awards to be announced on 28 February 2010.