JAMES Miller came second in this year's inaugural NatWest Speed Challenge Final at Lord's with a bowling speed of over 51mph.

The 11-year-old cricket star qualified at the NatWest Interactive Roadshow in Gateshead, as one of the UK's fastest young bowlers, in the Under 12 Boys category.

James Kirtley (pictured with Miller), Sussex and England fast bowler, was on hand to give encouragement and support to the kids taking part in The NatWest Speed Challenge Final.

All the competitors spent the day experiencing the excitement and tension of being a cricket star for the day including being photographed and interviewed by the media.

Miller, from Seaton in County Durham, was awarded a certificate and a signed autobiography of NatWest Ambassador and England fast bowler, Darren Gough.

He also got the opportunity to watch one of the best one day international matches of all times with India clinching a dramatic victory over England in The NatWest Series Final.

All the finalists qualified at one of the NatWest Speed Challenge competitions that took place at each of the ten NatWest Interactive Roadshows that toured the country throughout June.

Abigail Searle, Sponsorship Manager of NatWest, said: "Grassroots cricket is fundamental to the success and future of the sport and we are delighted that the first NatWest Speed Challenge has been such a success, with over 5000 kids entering the competition across the country."

Miller was the only youngster from the North-East to qualify for the event.