ROGER Burden, chairman of the Gloucestershire FA, presented long-service awards at this month's council meeting to Bob Arthurs, George Mallett and David Hughes for their contributions to local football over the last 50 years.

Bristol and Suburban League president Arthurs played for Wootton Rovers just after the last war, then became involved with administration as secretary of both Bonded United and Counterslip, before serving as vice-chairman for 33 years.

GFA councillor and vice- president Mallett was a player with Conham Rangers and later the club's secretary before becoming a member of the Downs League's management committee in 1970, holding most official positions including general secretary.

He was also the county's disciplinary secretary for 18 years up to 1996.

Hughes has been covering football for the Evening Post since the 1956-57 season, and helped launch the paper's popular Star Match and the Fry Club Cup, as well as enjoying a long playing career with St Silas, Soundwell, Brislington, Easton Rangers and St Andrews.

He is a past president of the Avon League and a vice- president of the Bristol Premier Combination, the District League and the District Sunday League. He also served on the management committee of the old Wednesday League.