LES Pitt has been recognised for half a century of service to Presteigne St Andrews Football Club with a Football Association of Wales (FAW) accolade.

Club committee members joined friends in celebrating the club stalwart receiving an FAW long service medal at Llanandras Park last week.

Pitt first joined the committee when captain of the junior team and has held a number of roles ever since and remains an active committee member

The club applied to the FAW for a long service medal to recognise a lifetime service to football in Mid Wales and the association agreed the clubman more than deserving of the honour.

Club officials also arranged for the printing of a certificate and this and the medal were framed.

Club chairman Andy Crowe said it had been a fitting way to honour someone who had been instrumental in the running of the club over five decades.

“We are grateful to the Football Association of Wales for the part they played and to Phil Woosnam for joining us for the presentation,” said Crowe. “Also a thanks to all who worked hard behind the scenes and committee members for keeping the secret.

“Les is so deserving of this award for his unswerving support of the club and countless hours of work he has put in over the past 50 years.”

Pitt admitted he had no idea what he was letting himself in for when he joined his family in heading down to Llanandras Park.

“I was genuinely gobsmacked when I walked into the club as I thought we were there for a committee dinner and social evening. I am very honoured the club has recognised my contribution in this way and grateful to all involved.”