Maidstone's Ashley Jackson, pictured, was the star as England’s men’s hockey team made history by winning the EuroHockey Nations Championship title for the first time.

The former Sutton Valence School pupil was named player of the tournament after his eight goals in five matches helped England to claim the crown at the Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen.

The forward scored the opening goal in the 5-0 group match win over Austria and netted in a 4-4 draw with Germany, whose last equaliser came two minutes from time.

The 22-year-old grabbed a hat-trick in the 8-2 rout of Belgium, and then popped up with a dramatic golden goal winner 45 seconds from the end of the semi-final against The Netherlands as England triumphed 2-1.

The final against Germany was a fluctuating affair with Jackson firing England ahead only for the Germans to lead 3-2 at the break.

Two goals in as many minutes by Richard Mantell put England back in front with Jackson converting a 62nd minute penalty stroke to seal victory.

England’s performance guarantees them a place at the 2010 World Cup in India and Jackson believes they are building well ahead of the 2012 Olympics.

He said: "We said after playing as Great Britain at the Olympics (Beijing) that we want to build all the way to 2012, but that we want to do that winning medals along the way."

Picture by Ady Kerry.