Clive Radley and wife Linda at Lords after receiving his MBE (MCC/Clare Skinner)

The MCC's head coach Clive Radley has received an MBE for services to the sport in a ceremony at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday morning.

The 63-year-old former batsman spent his entire career with Middlesex and played in eight Tests for England.

Radley retired in 1987 and went on to coach his county for four years before joining the MCC in 1991.

"My first professional contract was in 1962 and I never imagined I'd still be involved 46 years later," said Radley.

Radley scored 26,441 runs in his first-class career while his top score for his country was 158 against New Zealand in Auckland.

He was joined by his wife Linda and children Louise and Paul at Buckingham Palace before spending the afternoon as guest of honour at a reception in the Long Room at Lord's.

The MCC's chief executive Keith Bradshaw added: "Clive is an invaluable part of the club set-up and, under him the MCC Young Cricketers programme has gone from strength to strength.

"In an age of county cricket academies, Clive has proved that the programme is still relevant and plays a vital role in developing professional cricketers and giving opportunities to unsigned talent from all over the world."