Heyhoe-Flint made a Working Peer

Former England women's captain Rachael Heyhoe-Flint has been appointed to the House of Lords.

In a Downing Street announcement today, Heyhoe-Flint was named as one of 53 people appointed as new Working Peers.

The 71-year-old, who earned 51 Test caps in an outstanding career, was appointed MBE in 1972 before receiving an OBE in 2007 for her services to cricket and charity work.

She was also the first woman to hit a six in Test cricket, the first captain of a women's side to play at Lord's and one of the first female members of the MCC.

Earlier this year she was inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame, the first woman to receive this recognition.

Heyhoe-Flint said: "I was completely taken by surprise when I took the call from the Prime Minister in September.

"Obviously I am really thrilled at my appointment but still very humbled at the thought of joining such a historic institution.

"My background in sport, journalism, charity and community work will, I hope, stand me in good stead, and I hope I can make a positive contribution as a working peer. I will certainly look forward to the commute from one Lord's to another Lords!"

Heyhoe-Flint will be introduced to the House of Lords towards the end of the current parliamentary session or early into the new year.