A blind batsman who won a place in England's World Cup cricket squad has returned home after being treated like a star in India.

Andy Dalby-Welsh is celebrating after his team came third in the 2002 Blind Cricket World Cup.

They lost in the semi-final to Pakistan who went on to win the tournament.

Andy, 24, a final year social policy student at Sussex University, said: "It was a bit disappointing not to make the final because we beat Pakistan in the group stage.

"We believed we had the strength to win. But we were pleased to come third."

When he was first chosen for the 17-strong squad, he doubted whether he would be one of the 11 who got to play.

Andy, of Tisbury Road, Hove, said: "I was chuffed to bits when I was chosen for the warm-up game. I opened the bowling and got two wickets.

"After that, I opened the bowling in the first match against South Africa and then for the rest of the tournament. I also got to bat in a few games. I was so happy."

Andy uses his hearing to play cricket. The ball is plastic with ball bearings inside so the batsman can hear it.

The bowler warns the batsman when he is about to begin his run-up and bowl.

He and the other players spent two-and-a-half weeks in Chenai, India, during the tournament. They were treated like celebrities and chased by autograph-hunters.

Andy, who was originally placed on the reserve list last August, said: "The games were supported and watched by local schools. The children kept running up to us and asking for autographs which was a bit bizarre. That's certainly not what we get here. But it was really lovely.

"I'd never been to India before so it was a big culture shock. I had a fantastic time. It was an absolutely amazing place."