The University of Gloucestershire is honouring Gloucestershire county cricketer Mark Alleyne at its annual awards ceremonies.

The club captain, who has come to the forefront of the county game in recent years, made his first-class debut for Gloucestershire in 1986 at the age of 18. He has since gone on to represent England, and captained the England A team to Bangladesh, New Zealand and West Indies in 1999-2000.

Gloucestershire's success in recent years, particularily in the one-day game, has led to the county being recognised in the sporting world and this is to some extent down to Mark Alleyne. The University is proud of its local teams, and by conferring this honorary fellowship on Mark on 30th October 2001, is recognising this.

"Mark is the sort of sportsman many students look up to," said a University spokesperson. "We offer a range of sports degrees at the University and have links with many local clubs. To see someone with Mark's dedication and determination is an inspiration, not only to the students on these degree courses but to all students."

Mark's leadership skills have been fully demonstrated in the past few seasons, with Gloucestershire winning five competitions in two summers. Wisden has praised his "quiet authority, tactical sense and boyish enthusiasm". He was named one of Wisden's Five Cricketers of the Year at the end of the 2000 season.

Mark joins his Gloucestershire team-mate, Jack Russell, in being given an honorary fellowship. It is recognition of his excellence as a sportsman, for his enthusiasm and determination as a leader, and for his contribution to the life of Gloucestershire.

Other people being honoured are the Olympic triple jumper, Jonathan Edwards, Lord Ron Dearing and Lady Puttman.

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