York’s Jonny Bairstow admits being awarded his county cap is the proudest moment of his professional career so far.

The 21-year-old was presented with the accolade before day one of Yorkshire’s LV= County Championship match with Worcestershire at Scarborough yesterday.

He’s become one of the Tykes most important players recently, already amassing 2,508 first-class runs in his short career at an average of 46.4.

Bairstow said: “Without a doubt, it’s number one for me.

“It’s one of the proudest moments of your cricketing career to get your county cap. Anyone will tell you, wherever they play their cricket, that being awarded your cap is something you dream about as a kid.”

Since making his Yorkshire debut in 2009, the former St Peter’s School pupil has rapidly risen through the Tykes ranks.

He showed promise last season to win a number of games for the county under pressure, but has developed again in 2011 to firmly establish himself as one of the country’s hottest young cricketers.

He added: “I got the surprise in our normal pre-match meeting. When Galey (Yorkshire captain Andrew Gale) told me it was brilliant.

“It is a massive achievement and something I’m very proud off. Hopefully I can continue to develop.”

That seems likely given his ability, with Bairstow already part of the England Lions set-up.

However, before looking ahead to international ambitions, Bairstow was quick to point out he’d be savouring this particular achievement for a while yet.

He said: “All the family were here which made it even nicer. They travel around the country to support me and it was definitely very special to have them here.

“I’ll go out for a bite to eat with them. It is something which only happens once, so I think I might be allowed a beer.”