STEVEN Bunn has become the first winner of the Herefordshire Referees Association’s Graham Hughes Trophy, writes RICHARD PRIME.

The trophy, presented at the association’s annual awards evening at Hereford Farmers’ Club, has been inaugurated in memory of local football stalwart Graham Hughes, a great servant of Herefordshire football, who died last year.

Hughes himself was never once booked during a long career in county football.

The trophy bearing his name is to be awarded to the referee gaining the best marks from clubs for his performances in Saturday football.

Dave Jones collected the equivalent Jim Lambert Trophy, awarded to the referee with the best marks for his performances in Sunday football.

The Fred Galliers award went to Dave Stringer while association chairman Stuart Buchanan collected the John Yeld Trophy for winning the annual quiz.

Young officials were also recognised when Ben Morris collected the Meurig Magor Award, with Olly Grove named as runner-up.

But the evening’s top prize went to Les Coultas who collected the President’s Trophy.

To round off the presentations, a special award was given to association president Peter West to mark his 50 years of refereeing.

”This is a great achievement and we congratulate you,” said Buchanan, in announcing the award. “I also would like to thank you for all your help over the years.”