NORTON United secretary Peter Johnson has been honoured for his dedication to football. Peter was presented with a bronze medallion at the East Riding County FA Headquarters in Hull for 50 years service to the game.

Peter, who has been secretary of Norton for 40 years, said: "I've enjoyed every minute of it. People ask me why do you still do it. It keeps me active and I enjoy being around the lads, though they do give me a bit of stick." His association with the club stretches as far back as 1937, when he attended his first game as a 14-year-old.

The following year, Peter made his debut for the club as a goalkeeper. Though he has long since hung up his boots, such was his enthusiasm for the game that he didn't play his final match until the ripe old age of 54.

Of his final appearance he said: "The reserves were short so I stepped in. I was caught in the ribs by the opposition centre-forward and was in agony all night. I tried to keep it quiet from my wife that I'd played, but she knew."

His most memorable match for the club was back in 1954 when the club organised a special train for the players and supporters to travel to Driffield for the final of the East Riding Senior Cup. Though Norton lost the match 2-1 to Long Wiston, it was watched by over 1,000 spectators. Norton were still successful that year, winning the Malton Senior Cup.

Peter has also been vice-chairman of the York and District Senior League (the league which Norton play in) and a committee member of the York Minor League.

Updated: 12:58 Thursday, December 06, 2001