TOP county cricketer had a taste of a jet-set lifestyle when he made a crucial half-century before being whisked away, by helicopter, for a dinner in his honour.

David Leatherdale, a long-serving Worcestershire all-rounder enjoying a benefit year this season, was called up to New Road as a late replacement for South African test star Andrew Hall.

But the popular 35-year-old also had a benefit dinner planned at a London hotel with former team mates - including Ian Botham - friends, family and guests.

However, he steadied Worcestershire's innings with a solid 50 before donning his dinner jacket and being picked up by helicopter - piloted by former team mate Reuben Spiring.

"Reuben's been flying for about five years now, so the journey was decent," said David.

"We reached the hotel - just opposite Lords - in plenty of time, and, with about 100 guests and Ian speaking for me, it was a great night."

The helicopter picked him up at 5.35pm yesterday from The King's School, Worcester, cricket pitch, which is next to New Road county ground.

However, it was business as usual this morning as he drove back from London for the second day of Worcestershire's Frizzell County Championship match with Glamorgan.