A WARRINGTON referee has been honoured by the Liverpool County Football Association for 34 years of service to the game.

Mervyn Woodage, aged 64, retired from refereeing on health grounds eight years ago but took charge of games in the Warrington leagues - including several cup finals - and in the North West Counties Soccer League during his career.

Woodage, who now lives at Ryfields Retirement Village, is currently the referees' appointments secretary for the Warrington Soccer League.

He said: "My advice to anyone who referees - no matter what standard - is to make sure that they join a referee's society, where they will receive instruction, support and companionship from fellow colleagues.

"All the referees who have reached the top will tell you that their society helped them to reach that goal."