THE FOOTBALL Association have honoured four stalwarts of Craven football by rewarding them with 50-year long service awards.

The accolades were presented to David Napper, Keith Walker, Harry Wellock and Roger Worthington by West Riding County FA chairman and FA representative Barry Chaplin at the Craven District Football Association annual meeting.

Keith and Roger have been loyal servants at Settle United throughout half a century. The former had his playing career cut short by injury and since 1970 has been club treasurer.

Fellow committee man Roger had a playing career of 23 years and since 1970 has served United in different capacities, including ten years as chairman.

Craven District FA chairman David Napper started his football in the Rochdale area in 1963 and his move to Carleton resulted in him joining the football club committee, where he has held different roles.

He is a trustee of Carleton Recreational Charity and refereed for ten years before joining the Craven FA in 1994, becoming a life member in 2015.

Sutton-in-Craven resident Harry Wellock started his football career as a player in the Keighley area with Prince Smith and Stells, Keighley Central and finally with Steeton FC where he was a committee member for 38 years before becoming a vice-president.

Harry refereed in Craven for 20 years and is now an executive committee member of the Craven District FA.

Craven FA secretary David Town congratulated the four recipients and stated their awards were truly deserved for their outstanding contribution to grassroots football.