Breaking the boundaries

Prince & W. Indies legends' tribute to pioneer who helped hundreds of youths achieve their potential

- RUSSELL MYERS

PRINCE William and West Indies cricketing heroes bowled over a Windrush pioneer during a surprise tribute.

William headed a secret mission in celebrating Alford Gardner, who has helped generations of children after setting up Britain's first Caribbean cricket club.

As part of tonight's ITV show Pride Of Britain: A Windrush Special, the royal visited the 97-year-old's home in Leeds to talk about his incredible life since leaving Jamaica.

Alford is one of the two last surviving passengers who travelled on the HMT Empire Windrush, arriving at Tilbury Docks, Essex, on June 21, 1948. Just three months later, the former RAF ground engineer helped set up the cricket club in Leeds, helping to break down racial barriers.

Alford was part of the Windrush generation who received an Outstanding Contribution gong at the Daily Mirror Pride of Britain Awards, with TSB, on October 8.

They shared stories with figures including Sir Trevor McDonald and Judi Love, providing an insight into the experiences of more than 500,000 people who arrived in Britain between 1948 and 1971.

As part of the film, the Prince of Wales took Alford to Headingley Cricket Ground for a surprise involving four generations of his family and cricketing legends.

Alford told William how he had enjoyed seeing some of his favourite players gracing the home of Yorkshire cricket in Leeds.

Gathered were a selection of his nine children, 16 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren.

England legends such as Devon Malcolm and Ian Bell also joined West Indian fast bowler Joel "Big Bird" Garner and Sir Gordon Greenidge in paying tribute to him.

Prince William said: "We are here because of one person, who changed the lives of so many.

"I bet seeing all these faces brings back some memories?"

Alford, looking around, quickly replied: "More than memories."