A RETIRED shop manager, who used his head for business to save a struggling workmen's club from the bailiffs, has been honoured for his long service.

Tom Ward has served two spells as secretary at Hunwick Workmen's Club during his 40 years on the committee.

When he took over for the second time, he had two days to stave off a debt crisis which would have closed it down.

He managed to secure a £7,000 loan to pay VAT and Inland Revenue bills and has gradually reduced an £88,000 debt to under £17,000.

Mr Ward's achievements were recognised by the Club and Institute Union secretary Mick McGlasham and Federation Brewery chairman John Coppinger.

But his favourite honour came from fellow Hunwick members, who renamed their snooker room in his honour.

Mr Ward, 83, who lives with his wife Grace in Rough Lea Terrace, said: "I joined the club to play billiards when I came out of the Army and I have made a lot of friends.

"I travelled all over and our three-a-side team won the All England trophy."

Then manager of Burton's Tailors in Bishop Auckland, where he worked for 44 years, Mr Ward first agreed to be club secretary for three months.

He said: "I ended up doing two spells totalling 34 years. I went back because they were in a desperate situation.

"Now we have a good team and things are going nicely.

"It is good to stay active and it was nice to be appreciated. Having the snooker room named after me was marvellous."