Tony Cooper from Exelby, near Bedale, was presented with a Community Award by Bedale Town Council at the annual parish meeting.

Mayor Amanda Coates presented the citation thanking Tony for his work with hundreds of youngsters.

She said: ”A dedicated and passionate football enthusiast, he is a key representative of the Bedale junior football community providing many hours of coaching and support to hundreds of youngsters over a period of 20 years or more.

“His commitment to the junior football scene is typified by his willingness to broaden the coaching spectrum and be inclusive of 5 year old children. “ “It is clear many children have first discovered their love of football under his care and supervision and the community is deeply indebted to him,” added the Mayor.

Mr Cooper, a qualified football coach started teaching in local schools after leaving the RAF. He was nominated for the community award by Samantha Chisholm of Bedale Junior Football Club. She said she had become aware of how dedicated Tony was to football, children and Bedale.

“Some years ago my eldest sons coach gave up and I was faced with several youngsters who needed training. At the time Tony already coached a team but he was the first to offer his services and stayed with the team for many months until we found a new manager. He’s also just stepped into the breach again, we are looking for a girls coach and he’s helping out until we can find a manager.

“I think Bedale has a lot to thank Tony Cooper for, many children first discovered their love of football under his care and we as a community have been able to provide a club thanks to Tony Cooper.”