LAST month a refereeing stalwart from Chard was recognised for his 50 years of service to local football.

John Galpin has been a member of the The Referees' Association since 1969 to the present day and on Saturday, December 16 he was presented two awards for his service.

John Harvey, a representative of the Referees Association, presented John with a 50 year award, and also a life membership award as treasurer of Chard Referees Association since 1980.

Past and present referees and the referee of the day attended the ceremony in Chard Football Club, on December 16.

At the ceremony at Chard Town Football Club, many club members and fans attended to give John their congratulations.

Plenty of people have come across John, be it on the pitch while he was refereeing or in the community around Chard and Crewkerne.

The awards were well deserved as many people have said. Chard Town FC said: "Well done John, well deserved. So many happy memories."