Ben Stokes has been honoured at this year's Mirror Pride of Sport Awards.

The Cumbrian Cricket World Cup winner and the favourite for BBC Sports Personality of the Year this month admitted just how important the Pride of Sport awards were as they recognise all levels of sport - and not just the elite level.

All-rounder Stokes, who grew up in Cockermouth, picked up "The Inspiration of the Year" gong after starring in England's World Cup triumph when he scored 84 not out in a tie with New Zealand, before top-scoring in the tied Super Over at Lord's which was settled on a boundary countback.

The 28-year-old - last week named Cumbria's Sports Personality of the Year, also winning the Performance of the Year gong at the 40th Cumbria Sport Awards - then followed that up with a match-winning Ashes, taking England from a seemingly impossible position to victory at Headingley in August.

Stokes told The Mirror: "It's a huge honour to receive this Pride of Sport award.

"It recognises what was a huge summer for English cricket and one that I was thrilled to be a part of.

"I was delighted with what I managed to achieve personally because all I ever set out to do is to contribute as much as possible to England victories.

"Individual honours like this are not what I play the game for, but they are perhaps a sign that you are doing something right because the team is having some success because of it."

The former Cockermouth School pupil added: "The Pride of Sport awards are about celebrating success, achievement and effort right across the sporting spectrum from the highest level to the most fundamental grassroots projects going.

"And I'm delighted to be able to share the spotlight with so many deserving winners and nominees from across the land.

"Sport and cricket is for all and regardless of your age, gender, race, religion or anything else, there is something for you and all I would ask is that you get involved.

"You don't have to be hitting fours and sixes at Lord's to be a vital part of our cricket community."