Past Olympic recipients have included the long distance runner Paula Radcliffe and rower Tim Foster, who both have connections with the town.

BBC: Olympic canoeist Etienne Stott given freedom of Bedford

The youngster was stumped by James Foster off Tim Phillips and James Hockley was bowled by Danish Kaneria soon after, but this was to be Essex's final success of the day.

BBC: Kent's Geraint Jones puts Essex on back foot

Matt Prior, Tim Ambrose and Steve Davies have all pulled on the gloves for England this winter, but Foster does have the advantage of having played with acting coach Andy Flower, a former wicketkeeper for Zimbabwe, at Essex.

BBC: Foster plays down England chances

The main challenge for CEO Tim Cook and Apple longer term is whether or not he and the company can continue to foster the same culture of innovation and consumer-focused product development that made Apple what it is today.

FORBES: Apple Faces Innovation Question As It Moves From Steve Jobs To Tim Cook