MORE than half a century of dedication to tennis has earned Hilda Griffiths the Herefordshire Sports Council Service to Sport Award.

Hilda (pictured above), who stepped down at the end of last year as a member of the Herefordshire and Worcestershire LTA executive after serving since 1987, had previously served on the Herefordshire body since 1970. She served as league secretary for the West Division for 35 years.

She joined Madley Tennis Club in 1946 and served on the club's committee for 40 years and organised the club's Open Ladies' Tournament for more than 20 years.

Her huge contribution to her sport was recognised when she received the prestigious LTA Meritorious Service Award at Queen's Club in November, the same month in which she was presented with the Herefordshire and Worcestershire LTA Volunteer of the Year award.

There were two highly commended awards in this category.

Philip Watkins served the Hereford Times Herefordshire Football League for 25 years as chairman and member of the management committee.

He was treasurer, manager and chairman of Dorstone FC over a period of a quarter-of-a-century and refereed locally for six seasons.

Although he is now in his 80s, Bill Ardern is still a tireless worker behind the scenes at Bromyard Table Tennis Club, where he is the president.

He is the vice-chairman of the Herefordshire Table Tennis League and serves on the committee of the county's Table Tennis Association.